Courtesy Organic Scapes and Architecture

The shape of the building’s footprint is a direct result from wind studies. By combining the different wind charts, we arrived at the conclusion that the proper orientation and exterior shape should be modeled according to the direction of prevailing winds. This method prevents the structure from acting on strong wind loads, therefore avoiding friction and functioning more as a wind tunnel.

Courtesy Organic Scapes and Architecture

Inspiration for the external cladding of the house came from observing the abdomen (tail) of a lobster. The abdomen of the lobster’s exoskeleton has several functions related to the survival and re-productivity of the crustacean. The project’s external cladding plays a similar role as that of the lobster’s abdomen, providing a protective shell from which wind power and solar energy can be harvested.

Floor plan, courtesy Organic Scapes and Architecture

The floor plan layout has been designed with a strong emphasis on maximizing scenic views of the surroundings, orienting the glazing on the north/south facades, therefore providing natural light and heating from the Sun during winter. Every interior space will have operable windows to provide access for fresh air.

Sections, courtesy Organic Scapes and Architecture

100% of all Energy Loads will be supplied from photovoltaic film (laminates) and small wind turbines located on the double shelled exterior envelope of the building. We are also encouraging the use of an electric vehicle. The house and car batteries can be synchronized to share and exchange energy loads during peak hours.

+ Project facts

Type: International Competition
Architect: Organic Scapes and Architecture
Program: single-family residence
Year: 2012
Location: Atka, Alaska United States
Status: Competition Entry
Team: Gabriel Belli Butler, Stefano Rocchetti
Building Area: 1365 sqft

+ All images and drawings courtesy Organic Scapes and Architecture

Bongo Design has designed the Heavy Rabbit. The Heavy Rabbit is a exceptional piece of modern furniture. Each of the 31 steel elements is hand bended and welded together into a structural form with storage capabilities.

+ Designer: Bongo Design

The Heavy Rabbit, image courtesy Bongo Design

The Heavy Rabbit, image courtesy Bongo Design

The Heavy Rabbit, image courtesy Bongo Design

Ty Pren Eco-House, image © David Grandorge

Situated in the midst of the Brecon Beacons, South Wales, this new build house was designed as an exemplar model of sustainable domestic architecture. It combines a passive solar design strategy, locally sourced materials and a vernacular form.

The site lies within a conservation area and Green Field site on the border of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This sensitive context called for a skilful approach in satisfying the local planning officer, whilst pushing a bold and sustainable architecture that could be held up as a notable future precedent.

Ty Pren Eco-House, image © Feilden Fowles

A sustainable approach was a driving ambition for the project. Another driver was the iconic image of a vernacular extrusion of a long-house without eaves. Passive solar principles have determined the south elevation treatment, framing views over Pen Y Fan while recycled Welsh slates wrap over the roof and down the exposed north wall, providing protection against the harsh weather. An annual carbon emission of 5.8Kg was calculated for the running of the house.

Ty Pren Eco-House, image © David Grandorge

The larch cladding for the 'solar facades' was felled from the client's land 2 miles away. 8 larch trees have been planted locally to replace the cladding after 25 years, while the removed cladding will be burnt to heat the house.

Ty Pren Eco-House, image © Feilden Fowles

The interior of Ty Pren has also been commended for the clear and logical plan structured by a linear spine wall along the northern edge. This serves to create a buffer to the north of the building and houses all services, utilities and storage, together with shower rooms, the stair and pantry, leaving the southern spaces clear and unobstructed.

Ty Pren Eco-House, image © David Grandorge

Interior spaces achieve high levels of natural daylighting due to the narrow depth of plan and large area of south-facing glazing. This approach promotes solar heat gains, whilstthe deep recessed reveals of the windows allow passive shading in summer.A wide number of organisations were involved in the project, which required careful management and diplomacy. These included the Penpont estate, the local conservation officer, the local planning officer, an arboreal cultural surveyor and environmental consultant. On top of this were the structural engineers and land surveyors. During the construction further management of the main contractor was undertaken with regular site visits.

Ty Pren was a shortlisted finalist for the Grand Design's Eco-Homes of the Year awards, 2009. It was also published in the Architect's Journal technical feature in September 2010 along with being published in several books.

+ Project facts

Ty Pren Eco-House
Architect: Feilden Fowles
Date: 2008 – 2009
Client: Gavin Hogg
Location: Trallong, Wales, UK
Contract Value: £270k
Project Lead: Fergus Feilden
Photograph: © David Grandorge

+ All images and drawings courtesy Feilden Fowles