Architecture News

In Nara, Japan, a novel demountable wooden pavilion named "Field Shelter" has been erected by London-based Studio Armitage. This ingenious structure, ballasted by a water tank, serves as a crucial respite for individuals toiling in the surrounding rice fields and allotments. Its design thoughtfully addresses the existing lack of communal resting spaces within the Amagatsuji neighborhood, offering both shelter from harsh weather and a place for social interaction among the local populace.

A Thoughtful Retreat for Nara's Agricultural Community

The genesis of Field Shelter emerged from Studio Armitage's observations while at Space Department, a nearby creative hub. Founder Freddie Armitage noticed the vibrant social life unfolding within these fields, alongside the absence of convenient resting spots. The scorching summer sun and sudden heavy rains in Nara highlighted the urgent need for a protected area. Inspired by the area's modest agricultural buildings and the raised structures of local temples and storehouses, Armitage envisioned an unobtrusive, easily constructible shelter. Securing a plot at a natural gathering point, the team proceeded with their plan to create a communal space.

The pavilion's construction deliberately employs standard timber sections and battens, raised on impermanent concrete blocks to withstand damp conditions. Its overlapping roof, made from corrugated polycarbonate sheets, covers two benches flanking a central water container. This design avoids a definitive front or back, seamlessly integrating with its surroundings. The structure's demountable nature and simplified design mean it can be readily relocated or replicated. The water butt, beyond its ballast function, spatially divides the shelter and provides a communal water source, easing the burden of carrying water to the allotments. Thoughtful details, such as blue-painted timber end grain, enhance both weather protection and visual clarity of the construction. The benches are strategically placed to capture morning and evening light, fostering different experiences for occupants, whether they seek solitude, shared conversation, or group gatherings.

The Field Shelter exemplifies a harmonious blend of functionality, community-centric design, and architectural humility. Its success lies not only in providing a much-needed physical refuge but also in strengthening the social fabric of the Amagatsuji community. This project serves as a poignant reminder that impactful architecture need not be grandiose; sometimes, the most profound designs are those that are simple, adaptable, and deeply responsive to the everyday needs of a community.

Hayhurst and Co, a London-based design firm, has masterfully reimagined the Hampstead Town House, infusing its interior with contemporary flair while meticulously preserving its iconic 1970s exterior. This ambitious project centered on creating a dramatic triple-height void that links multiple floors, fundamentally altering the spatial experience of the North London residence. The transformation emphasizes a seamless integration of old and new, celebrating both the building's historical roots and its modernized functionality. Through careful planning and innovative design, the architects successfully carved out new dimensions within the existing structure, demonstrating a profound respect for the original design by architects Igal Yawetz and Howard Radley.

The meticulous overhaul extended to every corner of the residence, from the revitalized brickwork of the facade to the diverse materials used in the interior, including cherry timber, reclaimed parquet, and marble. The introduction of various staircase designs, each serving a unique aesthetic and functional purpose, stands as a testament to the project's intricate craftsmanship. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation incorporates advanced environmental upgrades such as an air-source heat pump and internal insulation, aligning the historic structure with modern sustainability standards. This sensitive yet bold revitalization ensures the Hampstead Town House remains a beacon of architectural excellence, balancing heritage with innovative living.

Reimagining Interior Spaces with a Triple-Height Void

The core of the Hampstead Town House's renovation involved the strategic removal of floor sections to introduce a soaring 7.8-meter-high, triple-height void. This architectural intervention fundamentally reshaped the home's internal landscape, transforming what was once a confined entrance into an expansive sequence of interconnected spaces. This dramatic void now links the lower ground, ground, and first floors, creating an open and fluid living environment that enhances light penetration and visual connectivity throughout the residence. This bold design choice not only modernizes the home's layout but also pays homage to the modernist principles of spaciousness and natural light.

A notable aspect of this spatial reorganization is the transformation of the lower-ground floor, formerly a compact garage, into a striking double-height dining room. Adjacent to this, the kitchen is thoughtfully positioned a few steps below, integrating seamlessly with the dining area. The dining room, significantly taller than its width, boasts a distinctive folded timber ceiling and an angled mirrored wall. This ingenious design element reflects natural light and the surrounding greenery into the room, creating an illusion of expanded space and brightness. Inspired by Adolf Loos' American Bar, this design decision underscores a commitment to both aesthetic innovation and functional improvement, making the dining area a vibrant and inviting heart of the home.

Diverse Staircase Designs and Material Harmony

The Hayhurst and Co project in Hampstead Town House meticulously incorporated five distinct types of staircases, each crafted to suit its specific location and purpose within the renovated five-story dwelling. From a grand solid marble staircase connecting the entrance to the dining area to robust solid timber steps linking the kitchen and dining space, every ascent and descent becomes a deliberate design statement. A lighter, more open staircase ascends through the central void from the ground floor, ingeniously designed to maximize daylight penetration and maintain an airy feel across the levels. This variety in staircase design not only addresses practical circulation needs but also adds significant architectural character, guiding residents and visitors through a curated journey of discovery within the home.

Beyond the innovative staircases, the interior of the Hampstead Town House is a rich tapestry of carefully selected materials, demonstrating a harmonious blend of textures and tones. The use of cherry timber cladding, reclaimed parquet, walnut, and marble creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. Oak accents further enhance the natural warmth and timeless elegance of the spaces. Custom-designed furniture pieces, created in collaboration with skilled cabinetry makers, ensure that every element complements the overall design ethos. Furthermore, original details such as distinctive window handles were thoughtfully retained, and tiles from the former sunken bathroom were ingeniously repurposed into a new ground-floor handbasin, showcasing a commitment to material re-use and the preservation of the home's unique history. The seamless integration of these diverse materials and thoughtful details exemplifies the project's dedication to both aesthetic appeal and sustainable practices.