In working to streamline our office processes, we were thinking about the proper way to start a project. After talking about all the potential options we agreed that a freehand sketch is the quickest and most effective way of capturing the feeling of a place. (Naturally this was going to end up as three square post on Instagram, inspired by most of the post done by MVRDV. )
A sketch like the one above attempts to capture all the big ideas of the home without getting too deep into details. The shape of the home actually ended up with slightly more detail than we wanted, but again this could also be seen a hint to a thin skeleton structure with large openings.
Starting on the left. 1 of 3 - This is talking about the front yard. After recently becoming a plant dad and planting a Miami Dade pine tree provided by the Fair Child Garden’s Connect to Protect Program, I’ve fantasized about designing front yards as small Pine Rock Land Forests. In preparation of sea level rise the house rises and appears to float in the landscape.
2 of 3 - When seen in the context of all three images the home appears to have a U shape but, this is actually a section hinting at the idea of a central courtyard to keep the building shallow and allowing for lots of natural ventilation and lighting. We imagine a traditional Japanese garden feel, with signature South Florida Trees and shrubs in the Center. On the bottom of this image the two and a half tier wall with planting behind it speaks of the street condition. While provide some barrier to access, the fence delineation is one of an inviting neighbor.
3 of 3 - With the front designed as a Xeriscape Pineland Forest, the backyard is a Private Tropical Lush Escape. Walled on three sides a private entertainment space is cradled in the rear of the house. Populated with fruit trees, tropical flowers & shrubs, and spaces to socialize. Making the most of the outdoor space and sun available here is a big theme in this scheme.
