Shaped by the Surroundings
Kenneth Frampton's essay Towards A Critical Regionalism proposes an architectural approach that balances global modernism with local context. He outlines six principles including respect for local culture and environment, use of indigenous materials, and critical use of technology. Glenn Murcutt applies these ideas by designing buildings that reflect their surroundings and demonstrates how Frampton's concept remains relevant in contemporary architecture.
An example of Glenn Murcutt's work is the Donaldson House in Sydney built in 2017. It's set in a patch of dense coastal bushland and is armored in blackened zinc panels that defend it from wildfires. Its form was designed to preserve and enjoy its natural surroundings, with an existing tree trunk extending through a gap in its roof, and large projecting windows that frame the best views.
I think this is a great example of critical regionalism. I'm reminded of a similar project I saw on Arch Digest once where an architect named Christian Wassmann designed his house around a boulder that existed on site. And designed every opening to relate to a specific view of the landscape. These harmonies with nature through design are always so inspiring to me.
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DeleteThis is a very interesting project. I like how it is integrated with the surrounding nature. It is also successfully balancing privacy while still feeling open and exposed. This project feels like it was perfectly placed in nature but respects its context and doesn't disturb what already existed before it.
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