Start of a new era

in ,

Phoebe’s house

The events of the last week certainly make it feel like the end of an era and I suppose in historical terms it actually is. But it also coincided with some other big changes in the world that we need to adapt to as we embark on the next chapter.

The energy crisis is really highlighting the importance of sustainable design and slowing climate change.

Now is the time to invest in your home and improve it, saving you money and doing your bit to save the environment.

As it happens the building regulations have increased the thermal performance requirements of all new building elements. This applies to new builds and refurbishments. Wall and roof constructions will need to be a little thicker, and glazing higher performing. This is good news for energy saving but a big part of the new regulations focuses on design and build quality. Good design, project planning and realistic cost estimates are more important than ever to avoid coming unstuck.

A typical 125mm cavity wall

All our new projects start with a concept book so that we all agree what the principle goals of the projects are. This informs the layout and that in-turn informs a cost plan. Strong vision leads to successful results.

Installing solar panels and air sourced heat pumps is becoming the norm, but they work best if integrated into the design at the beginning of the project. So make sure you factor it into to you brief and budget. If your house is well insulated then retrofitting might be possible subject to some minor alterations and possibly planning permission.

If you would like to know more about anything raised in this post: New building regulations, sustainability, concept books or budgeting, please feel free to drop a comment below.

Squeezing It In

in

We are delighted to see so many of our projects featured in Mary Leslie’s fabulous new book entitled ‘Squeezing It In - Designing For Compact Spaces’.

Squeezing It in // Mary Leslie // Cover Image: Amy (AJ) Adams

“Our living spaces are getting smaller but, as we spend more time at home, they must now work harder than ever to provide us with room to relax, work and entertain. Interior designers need to understand how to build accessibility, circulation, storage and lighting into the most restricted areas without compromising on style.

In this jargon-free guide, Mary Leslie demonstrates how to design for compact living, proposing creative solutions that can be applied to a variety of settings. A versatile designer may be addressing a cramped studio flat one day and dressing room for an international business traveller the next; this book provides inspiration and advice for every kind of small space, and every budget.

Organised around the different areas of the home, Squeezing It In examines familiar problems and offers clever, immediately applicable ideas for making the best of pocket-sized spaces. The entire design process is considered alongside complete examples, from the UK and internationally, which are generously illustrated with full-colour photographs, plans and sketches.”

Squeezing It In // Mary Leslie // Photography by French + Tye

Squeezing It In // Marly Leslie // Photography by French + Tye

Squeezing It In // Mary Leslie // Photography by French + Tye

Collaging Concepts

in
 

Cut and paste collaging is a technique that aims to give new meaning to pre-existing photos and forms. It’s an opportunity to see things differently, shift them around, discover elements once left out. I started exploring this form of artistic expression while I was in university and helped me challenge my design proposals. I found new inspiration on how to proceed with my project through cutting, pasting and exploding, physically altering the shapes of my designs to generate new ones.

Fig 1. MW ARCHITECTS WINDOW DISPLAY

Fig 1. MW ARCHITECTS WINDOW DISPLAY

Since then I’ve used this method in my personal work to convey my satirical view on current world events (fig 3) as well as to promote the work of MW Architects (fig 1) and assist in the design process. I’ve expanded on my methods of expression, from handmade and printmaking to digital collages and used multiple sources such as newspapers, magazines or targeted photos like in the case of MW Architects. 

The creative method I follow is by expanding on the given topic both conceptually and physically while completing the collage. There’s rarely a specific aim or preferred outcome before starting. I initially start by cutting and exploding existing photos and forms to find ways to improve them visually. I simultaneously develop the theme by reflecting on the work so far and generate new ideas from it. This process runs in circles until the collage is completed.  

Fig 2. DIGITAL COLLAGE

Fig 2. DIGITAL COLLAGE

As an example, the collage above (fig 1) was composed after getting inspired by all the work MW Architects have completed so far. My initial mindless exercise was to cut out the outlines of the projects’ openings (visible on the top right of the collage), which led me to realize the importance of symmetry in their work so I proceeded in balancing the collage against a vertical axis. Simultaneously though, I challenged this by breaking this symmetry but making sure to keep a visual balance.

Collaging overall is a method that brings new life to old completed ideas. It is a method that is very open to interpretation and I believe can be very successful with conveying architectural design ideas: It sets a very broad yet a very defined base for discussion which can immensely help with developing the proposals. It can convey concepts without the use of strict sketch lines on a plan or an elevation which can prove very restricting sometimes. You can see all my work to date on instagram @delete-utopia.

Fig 3. DIGITAL COLLAGE

Fig 3. DIGITAL COLLAGE

by Gina Andreou