Agency of Architecture
Amongst the trees
A piece of land, a small holding filled with trees and the desire to venture into the unknown. All of these have something in common an ambition to provide architecture for the soul. Human connection to nature is well documented throughout history, a symbiotic relationship predicated on learning from our environment. Well, we wanted to seize this opportunity to establish a new agenda, one motivated around communality. This was our test bed to present a way of living which would promote well being and co existing amongst nature.
Project
Outline Planning on Green Belt
Location
Chelmsford
The design started as an idea from community living. A way for residence to live off the land individually and collectively. The architecture was really a supplementary piece, something to compliant its surroundings and showcase a light touch approach. All this means is finding solutions around how not damage the land through construction. The client was open minded to new ideas and therefore provided us with the inspiration to pursue building design which elevated traditional forms. It all starts with an appreciation and respect for the local history, referencing various periods of architecture which could be pulled from.
The architecture materialised from a necessity for change. Each building has a shared structural element separating spaces but yet forming the conduit between them. Its always a challenge to reform traditional housing orientations but adapting what we know into what we need is a catalyst for more.
Architecture does not have to be abrasive or destructive, it was used as a complimentary piece to preserve the environment. The challenge with conservation is making critical decisions around how to retain existing features. Trees can seem unassuming at first but they pose difficulties when trying to build. So, our first action was to look for solutions around providing less intrusive construction methods. Basically simplifying the way in which the building sites against the ground. There is a fine line between light touch and compromising structural integrity which can alter the course of a design. Our objective is always predicated on minimising the need for extensive labour, which is why proposing techniques which not only protect nature but also improve time of build is pivotal.
The forms or each shape of building is designed in a tessellating pattern. Roofs meeting at certain junctions and overlapping to inform quality of space. The dark wood referencing the neighbouring elements and applied in a way to accentuate the relationship between nature and built forms. Deep mono pitched roofs centred around private vegetable gardens sheltering the internal spaces from the weather but also allowing for panoramic views. Creating a feeling of security was important but also allowing the architecture to heal our well-being lead us to forming a courtyard space. Each room has a view into nature and this connection would lead to new engagement. Not only looking at a house as a place to rest but also abundance. Land can be segregated and at times feel as if there is no relationship between its context but this development was an opportunity to allow new human interaction. Giving people a blueprint for longevity, living directly off the land and growing to empower a community.
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