Details, Vol 3

If there’s one thing we’ve learned makes better buildings, it’s empathy. Architecture never happens in isolation—and simply by being interested and engaged, we’ve found it’s possible to open up the conversations that connect a scheme to its clients and community.

We believe that the more constraints there are, the better the architecture. If there aren’t any constraints, we create them. Challenging sites, existing buildings and complex briefs almost always present incredible opportunities for great design.

To limit our environmental impact, we start with what is already there. By manipulating the form and fabric of a building—whether new or existing—we can work with the existing conditions of topography, light and orientation, and harness the natural energy sources offered by air, ground and water.

If a site’s constraints guide the bigger design decisions, then it’s empathy that informs the smaller, social details. These details frame the human narratives that aren’t included in the brief, anticipating specific moments in the users’ lives.

Good architecture is as much about what happens on the building site as it is about what’s on the drawing board. By working alongside contractors as well as clients we can ring-fence the ideas and details that matter, championing quality and sustainability throughout construction.

Curl la Tourelle Head

Work Studio Activity News Contact

Publication

Details vol. 3
Radical Essex

Specification

Published by The Everyday Press
130 × 170mm
272pp, × 17 16pp folded booklets
Individually printed 1 colour offset

Available at

This third volume of Details examines the English county of Essex's radical architectural sites. Through eight informative booklets, ‘Radical Essex’ explores the county by means of its architectural details of the sites that show a progressive step into new Twentieth Century architecture, a testing ground for radical thought and alternative lifestyles. By illustrating exterior and interior details, this series reveals the hidden factors that contribute to the aesthetic and social composition of these projects. Includes an introduction essay by Essex born architect Charles Holland. Series editor Wayne Head. 8 folding 16 pages booklets/posters, each booklet unfolds as a poster. Contributors: Martin Aberson, David Cloux.