2.0 Bagshot Row

fbartels · 4 Feb 2008, 23:29

Trees are by Alan Fraser.

pichuneke · 4 Feb 2008, 23:30

I believe that a modern Hobbit would live in your house

It's good

boofredlay · 5 Feb 2008, 01:32

Looking good. I love that door

fbartels · 5 Feb 2008, 11:26

Thanks guys! Appreciate the feedback. Now here's a question. Might there be clients for houses of this peculiar design style among all the many Tolkien fans out there? I'm particularly thinking of aging boomers (my cohort) who are looking to build retirement homes, would like to go green, and wouldn't mind a few playful allusions to Middle Earth.

Of course, there are still just a few minor little tiny construction details to work out, but there are a lot of smart creative people here ...

Fred

Gaieus · 5 Feb 2008, 12:01

In my town there is a building that"merges" almost seamlessly into the hillside. Also there are a lot of them with quite organic shapes (there is a certain local architect who does these designs).

I can imagine that there would be interest in such buildings although I have to admit that in some more more conservative areas (like where you are from I guess) this would sell less...

fbartels · 6 Feb 2008, 01:03

Gaieus,

Thanks for your helpful thoughts on my question!

@gaieus said:

In my town there is a building that"merges" almost seamlessly into the hillside. Also there are a lot of them with quite organic shapes (there is a certain local architect who does these designs).

Any chance of a few pictures?

BTW, we aren't ALL conservative in the US! Frank Gehry may be from Canada but he lives and works here.

Fred

Gaieus · 6 Feb 2008, 10:27

I could go around and take a couple of shots...

Well, yes I know that not everyone is conservative in this way - I mainly meant the "market" (and especially mabe in/around New England...) But of course, who knows. Last time I was there was 18 years ago...

Alan Fraser · 6 Feb 2008, 10:42

Here's links to a few interesting ideas from the UK.
http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/grand-designs/houses/C/cumbria.html

http://www.theundergroundhouse.org.uk/

http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/04/11/underground-eco-house-snowden-house/

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TECH/10/20/spark.underground/

http://www.richardmurphyarchitects.com/projects/337/

fbartels · 7 Feb 2008, 10:55

Alan,

Thanks for the links... and for the row of trees!

Gai,

If in your travels you happen to take some pictures of the local "organics" that would be great. Please don't go to any trouble.

Interesting you mention New England and architectural conservatism. Royal Barry Wills , MIT trained and Boston based, is little known now but was quite popular in the 30s and 40s for his work refining and updating the classic Cape Cod style house. My goal with these 2.0 designs is to develop houses that use the technology of our time but are as simple and refined as Wills' Capes.

Fred

solo · 7 Feb 2008, 11:02

Interesting, sure there is a little Shire resemblance, maybe even some 'Teletubby'

A year or so ago I was in Huntsville Alabama and my step father in law who is a retired NCO from the local but friggin huge military base gave me a tour of the facility, there are these ammo bunkers there that the vegetation has over the years totally covered and it looks so damn cool (very Teletubby looking), too bad I was not permitted to take a photo as it was really amazing.

fbartels · 7 Feb 2008, 11:38

@solo said:

....maybe even some 'Teletubby'

Noooooo! Arghhhhh!

Next thing someone will be saying they are "smurfy" looking.

Fred