TENT HOUSE GARDEN INSTALL _005
Before any architectural designs were prepared, we planned the landscape design and pathways through the ancient oak forest which had been overtaken by invasive plants. Through a Design-Build and extensive removal process, the oaks were revealed and a series of curving pathways laid out. Only then, was the architecture approached.Both the qualities of the oak bark, and the geometry of the pathways were instrumental in the architectural approach to this structure.
Inspired by the fantastical garden tents of history and myth, the Pool House will be used by the family as a garden retreat. The building gently touches the ground and will be characterized by a light roof, held in tension between two rooms. The Dog-Trot house typology provides an additional reference — a central open space provides shade and ventilation, on axis with the pool, to enjoy the warm climate.
In a climate constantly affected by hurricanes, this project is an additional study in how to create new facade material expression, and structural systems, in our heavily regulated municipality.