pretty passivity

Uni has already managed to keep me very busy with the start of my final BA year.

However, it was during the last few weeks that I had an email waiting patiently in my inbox, subject line reading: 'something for redcacao?' So I can't really take the credit for this one, but rather an interesting article and some awesome and very different passive design examples.

My partner expressed a fondness for the archways and overall feel of the Hudson house (option 1), while I am inspired by the Fablab take on things in Madrid (option 3).

Crossways is a house we followed the building of on the Grand Designs series a couple of years back. It really is unique and seems to be a rather good performer - according to passive house energy conservation.

The final candidate surprised me, as the setting really didn't seem like Canada - but having never actually been there - who am I to say...
I really love the simple feel and clean lines of this design, to me it exudes a sense of calm and I could certainly imagine myself on that pier in those sprawling surroundings.

back to the books

I recently came across this article on inhabitat.com; offering a course in passive solar design. It could have something to do with the summer holiday nearing an end, my interest in sustainable design, or merely the rainy and cold weather in Bergen right now - but I clicked through enthusiastically, interested in the opportunity. That enthusiasm waned once I realised the fees involved and I moved on.

Then, just today, I read about different (and more low-tech) sustainable building workshops being run across the US... and I thought, since I can't get involved over there - there must be some good online options to keep abreast of avant garde techniques and methods that can also contribute to my studies in Scandinavia. I didn't have to search very hard before coming across this site, listing various institutes that offer downloadable course material (called OpenCourseWare or OCW).

While my semesters are pretty jam-packed and we do have our own recommended reading, it's always interesting to see what other leading institutes (such as MIT) have to say and to have access to material from subjects that might not be offered at your own school.

I've done an advanced search to find courses that link to my own specific interests. You can do the same here.

au naturel

Summer holidays with plenty of time to catch up on some reading, a recent cabin trip with family in the densely forested Kvamskogen area and beautiful use of the simplest of materials... are what inspired today's post.

I saw this article in the Independent some time ago - listing the ten best architecture books - but the end of study year meant that there was no time to give it my full attention. I've now gone back and chosen my favourite three... they're in my amazon basket as I type :).

One of them is no.4, entitled "Wood - Architecture now! Vol 2" by Philip Jodidio. Living in Norway and being surrounded by Scandinavian design means that wood is often on the cards as the design material of choice. After a brief peak at the pages in this book and a quick glance at Jodidio's other titles, I think I'm in for a treat.

I am often drawn to materials in their raw form and usually prefer the more rustic, natural look to super polished and glossy (although, often, a combination is even better!). I really enjoyed i29's use of regular plywood to shape and add character to this modern home in Holland.

They seem to prefer cleaner lines and a calm palette, but that only helps to accentuate other details like their lively take on this interior wall.

in your place

I have to thank my hairier half for finding this fun site - it's a collection of creative people in their spaces. Many are homes, others are restaurants, cafe's, or urban gardens etc.

It's a peek into spaces that people have made their own. I believe most request to be showcased, so they must be rather happy with their place and, therefore, to share it with us :).

There are very many to look at, but those I particularly like are:
Cheri and David's apartment in Soho, NY - earthy, raw brick, origami and the loose feel.
Eric and Mya's Hartwood Restaurant in Mexico - I'm a sucker for good food :), along with the bright colours and rustic outdoor space.
It might be my love of wood, but Lyndsay and Fitzhugh's home in Brooklyn is fresh and quirky with interesting pieces.

rural retreats

I recently came across two very different but equally beautiful rural spaces. It will come as no surprise that both were found on 'inhabitat.com' - one of my favourite online haunts.

The first is a simple, rustic, open structure in rural Austria, while the second lies across the ocean in the north American Sonoran desert.

The clean lines and calming palette of the Austrian abode sit well in the surrounding landscape. I love the iconic A-frame shape and open space. 

The sprawling desert home and its earthy materials rest comfortably on the beige sand. The expansive windows reflect the alluring palette of the evening sky.

a new housing palette

End of study year means that it's been some time since I've posted. Another two weeks and I'm nearly free for summer holidays!

I've got a bit of a breather this weekend since we've just been celebrating Norway's national day (17th May) and everything's basically shut down for the weekend.

A theme that's come up recently (since I had to write a text for my studies on my reasons for choosing this field and where I see myself professionally) has to do with forward-thinking design, news ways of using current materials and designing 'with' the other 90%.

This article / interview in 'inhabitat.com' includes some exciting and innovative thoughts with regards to housing designs with the future in mind. Choosing more relevant and environment based sustainable builds that are 'alive' and able to perform in varying conditions.

I particularly enjoy the lift house idea and the clever architecture and humour in the porchdog house. Then there's the simplicity and accessibility of the straw bale housing and pallet designs.

You can read more about porchdog here