Creating coherent places
The farmhouse is clearly of its place, built from local materials, and tucked into the landscape.
This rural setting appears to be well understood. We see many small features and responses that add up to create its character.
House was sited with an amazing prospect view over the land. One could easily become captivated with the seasonal patterns and a desire to know this place.
Palmetto Bluff, a new town in Bluffton, SC was modeled on small low country towns 100 years ago. Porches are placed close to the street to greet neighbors, and rear alleys serve garages. Driveways do not cut through the sidewalks.
Main Street in Palmetto Bluff has a village green, corner store, offices and Post Office. These are "normal buildings," built incrementally on the street, well-adapted to climate and local traditions. They could serve many uses and all are in scale with the small town.
Houses face the street and are inviting. The boundary between public and private is clear.
This house has traditional setback from the street with a low fence at sidewalk. Social space like this that once mediated public and private life has all but disappeared in modern suburbs.
Compare that to a typical suburban cul-du-sac where everything looks isolated, neither civic nor private-- the landscape of free-floating anxiety.
Sweep of stone retaining walls created a ramp to the lake, and deftly tied the house to the shore.
A tumbled rock "stream" leads us to the water with bright blooms that reinforce the path.
This view of Fjällbacka, Sweden shows several generations of buildings together. They are all compatible. Despite changes, the town remains coherent.
Q