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Agency of Architecture
Victoriana
The history of a building holds stories, stories of past generations and ones leading to a future. Architecture is a conduit, a vessel to communicate how we live and a respect for how society has adapted. Taking this philosophy for craft and applying to modern needs is where this journey begins.
Project
Planning Application
Location
Southend
These are the types of projects which combines the trifecta of history, site and freedom of design. This Edwardian property situated in the heart of Southend conservation area was a unique proposal. Our client was keen to explore options and really delve into new plateaus. Usually, there are key objectives which inspire and guide a proposal but on this occasion, we were given free reign. As most flats they are organised around a central hallway, without much divergence. The period and architectural history was unique and overtime the property evolved to suit the needs of one family.
But having bought the ground floor flat, it didn’t quiet meet the exceptions of the new occupant. They have a large family who regularly host events and need accessible space with a relationship between internal and external. Any addition had to respond sensitively to site dynamics and improve quality of light throughout.
The existing floor plan was a bi product of evolution and flirted with overlooking and privacy. Therefore the first iterations had to rectify these issues and naturally resolve any spatial quirks. Period properties have a unique balance and exemplify craftsmanship of that era.
Taking inspiration from these details grants a new interpretation, reconciled for modern construction techniques. The plan is orientated around a sunken floor, level with the garden. As the client enjoys horticulture, this motivated our play with levels and topography. This can pose challenges but we always aim to break conventions and explore the potential of space.
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 house on the hill
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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.
Maylandsea
Location
Maylandsea
Location
Location
Maylandsea
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