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Agency of Architecture

Hidden in plain sight

Can a house really be hidden?

 

There is an obvious answer but the truth lies somewhere in the middle. We had to ask ourselves how can architecture really protect our privacy but yet give us a sense of visibility. The trick is in the details.

Project

Planning Application

Location

Kent

Clients are usually motivated by creating a piece of architecture which represents their personality or needs. So, when we were approached to create a scheme that plays with visibility and obscures the internal programme, we jumped at this unique opportunity. Architecture has many functions but the key is its ability to communicate aesthetic languages, this manifests in patterns, material specification and refinement. Our client wanted to provoke a physiological reaction to the building and use the subtlety of modest materials to envelope the external surface. A traditional approach would include large openings to the street level and conventional pallet.

We made an initial statement by cladding the overall form in wood and concealing all windows behind screens which manoeuvre independently to suit light conditions. We were keen to compose different levels of engagement as you approach.

 

A resident walking alongside the elevation wont have a clear view into spaces which creates a new dynamic between perspective. The contrast between existing and proposed was intentional as the architectural ambiguity is key to the success.

 

A little friction is important and at times the motivation to conform is something which needed evaluation. There is a beauty within anonymity and allowing a form to peculate through means of adaptation. As the demands of occupation changes and the need for privacy is heightened, this new age of architecture poses an interesting question on how we interpret space.

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Even with all this consideration, the house has a quant feel and is predicated on the refinement of details. Instead of making large gestures, the use of shadow gaps and rebated joinery give a level of refinement which can only be appreciated in close proximity.

The Floating House

When you have to design something which can complement a house of great stature and national press, there are many thoughts that cross your mind. One of fear, maybe a little trepidation but mainly excitement. It's a brief any studio aspires to have and a real opportunity for a one-off piece of architecture which communicates harmoniously with its site conditions. Our client who already built a grand designs house on a flood plain was keen to explore options on the remaining part of their land. Having a house designated as Paragraph 80 poses its own complications. There are dynamics to meet in order for consideration and the local authority will not just permit any design. So our ambitions already exceeded the approach of a conventional brief. As mentioned the site is prone to heavy flooding and is shown to be completely submerged by 2030. This provokes a responsive architectural form and one which can withstand unforeseen changes in climate. The elevated living space sits above the ground providing solace and security. A place to view the ever-changing dynamics of nature. The building performs like a living organism, it adapts to various light conditions, improves quality of ventilation, and encourages propagation. Externally, a screen encloses spaces and protects them from overheating whilst preserving any occupant from overlooking. The pattern organically manifested from exploration of feathers, which seemed complimentary as the site is known for inhabiting protected species of birds. We investigated how buildings can co-exist in areas which experience extreme weather and in other cases even completely surrounded by water. These examples illustrated possibilities into how we can evolve our built environment. Leading exploration into technology and structural techniques pushing forward new frontiers. Such as buoyant foundations, which are currently being tested in parts of America post-hurricane disasters. Our design methodology was clear and took guidance from post-modernist design, evoking a purism in material pallet, spatial hierarchy and aesthetics.

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Agency of Architecture

The house on the hill

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The Floating House

When you have to design something which can complement a house of great stature and national press, there are many thoughts that cross your mind. One of fear, maybe a little trepidation but mainly excitement. It's a brief any studio aspires to have and a real opportunity for a one-off piece of architecture which communicates harmoniously with its site conditions. Our client who already built a grand designs house on a flood plain was keen to explore options on the remaining part of their land. Having a house designated as Paragraph 80 poses its own complications. There are dynamics to meet in order for consideration and the local authority will not just permit any design. So our ambitions already exceeded the approach of a conventional brief. As mentioned the site is prone to heavy flooding and is shown to be completely submerged by 2030. This provokes a responsive architectural form and one which can withstand unforeseen changes in climate. The elevated living space sits above the ground providing solace and security. A place to view the ever-changing dynamics of nature. The building performs like a living organism, it adapts to various light conditions, improves quality of ventilation, and encourages propagation. Externally, a screen encloses spaces and protects them from overheating whilst preserving any occupant from overlooking. The pattern organically manifested from exploration of feathers, which seemed complimentary as the site is known for inhabiting protected species of birds. We investigated how buildings can co-exist in areas which experience extreme weather and in other cases even completely surrounded by water. These examples illustrated possibilities into how we can evolve our built environment. Leading exploration into technology and structural techniques pushing forward new frontiers. Such as buoyant foundations, which are currently being tested in parts of America post-hurricane disasters. Our design methodology was clear and took guidance from post-modernist design, evoking a purism in material pallet, spatial hierarchy and aesthetics.

When you have to design something which can complement a house of great stature and national press, there are many thoughts that cross your mind. One of fear, maybe a little trepidation but mainly excitement. It's a brief any studio aspires to have and a real opportunity for a one-off piece of architecture which communicates harmoniously with its site conditions. Our client who already built a grand designs house on a flood plain was keen to explore options on the remaining part of their land. Having a house designated as Paragraph 80 poses its own complications. There are dynamics to meet in order for consideration and the local authority will not just permit any design. So our ambitions already exceeded the approach of a conventional brief. As mentioned the site is prone to heavy flooding and is shown to be completely submerged by 2030. This provokes a responsive architectural form and one which can withstand unforeseen changes in climate. The elevated living space sits above the ground providing solace and security. A place to view the ever-changing dynamics of nature. The building performs like a living organism, it adapts to various light conditions, improves quality of ventilation, and encourages propagation. Externally, a screen encloses spaces and protects them from overheating whilst preserving any occupant from overlooking. The pattern organically manifested from exploration of feathers, which seemed complimentary as the site is known for inhabiting protected species of birds. We investigated how buildings can co-exist in areas which experience extreme weather and in other cases even completely surrounded by water. These examples illustrated possibilities into how we can evolve our built environment. Leading exploration into technology and structural techniques pushing forward new frontiers. Such as buoyant foundations, which are currently being tested in parts of America post-hurricane disasters. Our design methodology was clear and took guidance from post-modernist design, evoking a purism in material pallet, spatial hierarchy and aesthetics.

The Floating House

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Maylandsea

Location

Maylandsea

Location

Location

Maylandsea

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