Dry in the summers with heavy rainfall in the winter, the area’s geography informed the design, as did the client’s desire to co-inhabit the land with the region’s plants and animals.

“We looked to the bush – those forested, undeveloped areas of nature that surround the house – while allowing the built structures to adapt to the natural terrain.”

The studio said.

“By simultaneously folding the house inward on itself and reaching outward to the land, we established a homestead in a transitional space that sustains human activity as well as wildlife.”

Palo Alto-based Field Architecture designed the home around the presence and absence of water in the unique microclimate, with the project completed in 2021.

“The cyclical presence of water metaphorically carves a path through the house and captures the poetic experience of falling and flowing water, rejoicing in this precious resource.”

The studio said.

“By surrendering the manmade environment to the same natural forces that shape the land, the house collaborates with the natural hydrological systems that nurture the landscape.”

Tucked among trees on a hill overlooking the valley’s vineyards, the house welcomes residents and visitors along a gravel and stone pathway.

A 500-year-old cedar wedge provides a bench for reflection in the entry garden.

The home’s circulation follows the metaphorical flow of water, with copper-clad pavilions connected by glazed corridors. Two stone bases serve as the foundation for the pavilions that house the living areas.

“As the walls mature, their patina records the natural effects of the climate while also resisting regional risks: rain, drought, fire, and sun,” the studio said.

The roofs – composed of two triangular planes each that slope toward the centre – collect rainwater and redirect it to river-rock basins.

“As the water spirals down from the roofs in the interstitial spaces between the pavilions, the structures appear to catch rain from the clouds and pass it softly to the underground aquifer.”

The roof planes fold down along the perimeter of each pavilion, turning to copper screens that create shadow patterns on the interior spaces.Read:Field Architecture clads Silicon Valley synagogue in salvaged-wood lattice

The westernmost pavilion holds a library and living space, while the central pavilion houses the kitchen and dining areas. Utility and storage elements are integrated into the room’s vertical surfaces.

The interior palette uses natural materials like stone and oak and madrone wood finishes.

The glazed walls disappear into concealed compartments to open the pavilions to the northside patio and pool area.

Through another transparent breezeway – whose floor is lined with river rocks, once again referencing the influence of water on the site – the home’s private areas are located in the eastern two-storey volume, which holds four suites.

Upstairs, stone flooring transitions to wood and a windowed wall in the staircase looks out to the surrounding forest.

Field Architecture often uses local, reclaimed wood to outfit its designs like in a nearby synagogue and ranch house further south in Portola Valley.

Via: https://www.dezeen.com/

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The John Morden Centre is a place of joy and inspiration. It sensitively and seamlessly integrates medical facilities and social spaces, delivering a bold and hopeful model for the design of health and care centres for the elderly.

RIBA Stirling Prize jury chair Ellen van Loon

This building provides comfort and warmth, with thoughtful features designed to prevent isolation. It illustrates how buildings can themselves be therapeutic – supporting care and instilling a sense of belonging. Great architecture orients people so they can thrive, and this building is exemplary at achieving exactly that.

Built from a cross-laminated frame, the building is an addition to a retirement community with 300 residents in Blackheath, southeast London.

It contains medical facilities, including doctor and physiotherapy consultation rooms, as well as a cafe, art studios and a 100-seat events space.

One of the key aims of the building was to create spaces that help foster a community atmosphere that would help combat loneliness.

“Loneliness and isolation are critical issues, particularly for older people,” said RIBA president Muyiwa Oki.Read:Mae designs senior day-care centre in southeast London to tackle social isolation

“The John Morden Centre’s elegance and efficacy set a high standard for spaces that support healthier, happier and more independent lives. It illustrates the positive potential of architecture to strengthen vibrant and active communities,” he continued.

“This is a skilfully designed package that minimises the building’s impact on our planet’s delicate ecology, while also harnessing the therapeutic value of the surrounding nature. It stands as a testament to the vision and ambition of Morden College, Mæ’s creativity – and the exemplary collaboration between them.”

This year’s Stirling Prize was chosen by a jury that included OMA partner Van Loon along with Foster + Partners senior partner Armstrong Yakubu, journalist Mona Chalabi, Buckley Gray Yeoman head of sustainability Rachael Owens, Autodesk head of industry associations strategy Marek Suchocki and Niall McLaughlin Architects founder Niall McLaughlin.

Last year’s prize was won by a brick and timber library at the University of Cambridge by Niall McLaughlin Architects. In 2021, the prize was awarded to Kingston University London – Town House by Grafton Architects.

Via: https://www.dezeen.com/

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Here are five ways that a basement extension can freshen up your home, and often a cost-effective way to gain space over and an aboveground extension!

1. Planning Permission

Basement Planning permissions are notoriously difficult to obtain due to relationships with neighbouring properties and possible impacts the basement could cause with water tables and also displacement of surrounding neighbouring walls. DS Squared Architects have extensive experience when it comes to design basements, whether they are new or an extension to an existing under croft.

2. Customisable

The average UK cellar is a beautiful untapped resource for a customisable living space. With a professional extension and conversion service, you’ll be able to sculpt your space into whatever type of living environment you want, from a games room, to home cinema, office, or even a guest bedroom. Basements are fairly straightforward to keep cool in summer and warm in winter, and can even be made light and airy through the installation of sky lights and solar tubes to maximise the influx of natural light.

3. Private And Secure

Basement extensions can be completely secluded from street noise, passing traffic, and prying eyes, with very little visibility from outside, offering a wonderful sense of privacy in busy neighbourhoods, as well as security.

4. Energy Efficient

By working with an experienced architect to choose the right materials for your renovation and extension, you can prevent damp and the risk of flooding, and make your extension extremely energy efficient, saving you money on heating.

5. Increased Property Value

Because townhouses are so difficult to extend, at least without eating into precious garden space, properties with basement extensions are extremely high in demand in urban areas, adding significant value to your property if and when you come to sell. And if you combine a basement extension with other property modifications, such as a loft conversion and internal restructuring, you can easily make your property one of the most desirable in your area, and secure a quick sale for a high price.

Via: https://www.dssquared.co.uk/

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