Valentine Steps using an Organic Architecture style

Hi,

Here's an intriguing one – we're slowly progressing the build, using irregular stone, of two 'half heart walls' to form a central heart shape in the middle of two flights of steps.

It 'fits' by live experiment rather than pre-drawn design.

A lot of the architecture around here is organic and rustic, and is worked into place as a craftwork. Architects and architecture students that have visited the HoBB either get engrossed in the detailing or hold up a metaphorical curtain wall in our face attempting to protect themselves from our idiosyncratic ways.

The 'heart' shape stairs constructed to date show that the idea will work. The area is for low Alpine plants and gets its name from the deep red to white to pink flowering species being located for planting around the heart steps.

I have been told that it is not easy for architecture students to find places in the UK to study and get practical hands-on experience of such rustic organic architecture. When I was a Partner in an Architecture Practice, I cannot recall one student approaching us with the faintest interest in traditional rustic building techniques but now, thankfully, there is a growing interest in things like clay paints, hay bale housing, lime mortars, wood frame, re-cycled materials and earth ship construction.

I think the best of the past should always be coupled with today's innovations and if any architecture students want to get in touch or progress some study here at the HoBB, they should contact me.

Waves from the hills ~~~~~~~~~~ <+))))))))>< ~~~ Grant

Posted by : Grant
Filed in : Voluntary Support

Posted by grant at August 8, 2006 08:11 PM