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caliwag

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  1. caliwag

    Design Book

    By caliwag,

    Hello, If any readers have bought, read, borrowed etc my book 'Self Build Home...The last thing you need is an architect' (only £5 on Amazon btw) I welcome your feedback, comments, criticism. Jim on lofthousestudio@hotmail.com I know I've been critical of plan books on here and other forums, but I thought, for my second edition (!?)I'd include plan designs of some of my projects (realised and doomed), but illustrating and annotating a few important (well I think they are!) design features. Just a thought to stave off retirement dottage!
  2. caliwag

    House on a narrow plot

    By caliwag,

    This was a response to a forum thread (elsewhere) and something that has been touched on in an earlier blog.
     
    I designed a small mock coach house, at the end of a very long  garden. (It was mock to the planners, and a possible nimby backlash, and their were no coaches) The site was less than 5.6m and agreement had been reached to build on the boundary thus leaving an internal width of 3.6m. Plainly there were no projections over the neighbour's land and the wall and gutters etc were designed to be virtually maintenance free.
     
    One trick (such as it is) is to create the main entrance half way along, into the side, rather than front.
     
    If necessary, the daylight can be dealt with internal courtyards...see Peter Phippen's project in Hatfield for a terrace of very narrow houses...https://www.themodernhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/THE_RYDE-TMH.pdf
     
    Thus, anything is possible within the blessing of planners and neighbours... a gift of a bottle of good whisky works wonders (obviously not to a planner!)
     
    So, don't discount a narrow site...all problems are an opportunity: the wise tell us! huh
  3. caliwag
    As I might have mentioned, there's no real division of contents of the book, really a series of thoughts, comments, replies to earlier forum queries and questions as well as a few reviews of architects books of their own thinking and works. There are not that many that suggest design advice, just coffee table glories with big colour snaps. I taught (or assisted) students in design and interiors for 7 years and helped the thinking and detailing on the works at St Pancras International for 8 years, but that's another story.
    The printed version of the book is over 200 pages but the e -book has been compressed to a bit less., but hey it's rather cheaper to produce! There are also a few reproductions of blogs, but not the ensuing conversations. Ha
     
    Some chapterettes...
     
    Fortune Favours the Prepared mind...always carry a notebook for inspirational jottings
    A picture is worth a thousand words
    A scrapbook or annotated portfolio of images...your likes and dislikes
    Survey, analyse, propose...description of a logical approach to design decisions
    Never judge a book
    Thresholds and entrances
    Kitchens and all that goes with them
    Relationship of rooms...crudely put. An approach to layout making
    Character and Value...fairly vital stuff
    Gardens...Design and Relationship with House
    Transparency...Bays and Oriels etc
    Details and Joining...important...to preempt that 'How the hell do we get round that?' question. My St Pancras experience came into ts own there.
    Windows (not the computer ones)
    Transparency and Character...both again, but further thoughts
    The National Garden Scheme...a useful means  of seeing how others done things...and the cakes are good and it is for charity
    Extension as a pavilion
    Cat skinning...nothing to do with a fish, but breaking down different ways to form houses. Clue,there are only really 5
     
    Right, there's more but you get the drift I hope. There are not many books, guides, approaches like this...Some of this may have been nicked by now...oh well...good luck all
     
    You can contact me (Jim) on lofthousestudio@hotmail.com      
  4. caliwag

    Black Kitchens

    By caliwag,

    Bit of inspiration from Pinterest, at a price...https://www.pinterest.co.uk/topics/black-kitchens/?utm_campaign=interestrecommendations&e_t=966619f5e94f4898bd6d0198cd900cbf&utm_content=909714351701&utm_source=31&utm_term=5&utm_medium=2024
  5. caliwag

    Self build book

    By caliwag,

    My book 'self-build Home...the last thing you need is an architect' is now available in kindle form Amazon as an option...you'll get a few pages as an introductory sample. Any questions email lofthousestudioAThotmail.com Thanks, Jim
  6. caliwag

    Garden ideas

    By caliwag,

    I make a point of thinking about the window/house relationship to the garden spaces at an early stage of self build design, in my book...'Self build design...the last thing you need is an architect' and associated blogs. I have a mate who attends and sells at garden furniture shows around the country, seasonally of course, but you would be amazed how much people spend. Of course you do need to have the 'designed' infrastructure for any furniture to work and look good! There are a couple of blogs on the 'outdoor space' theme and house relationships. Some of you may well remember same. Don't leave it too late. Garden design, spatially, is no different from home design...just different words...and design is all about words, initially. Discuss.
     
    https://www.pinterest.co.uk/topics/indoor-outdoor/?utm_campaign=interestrecommendations&e_t=2bd5b0820a39434e86267d0db9900e5f&utm_content=958361284376&utm_source=31&utm_term=2&utm_medium=2024
  7. caliwag

    self build book

    By caliwag,

    Howdy, my self build book, selling OK thanks, costs quite a lot as an 'on-demand' exercise (£10 printing and binding...maybe a touch more but I have a friendly printer)  £3 post + £2 packing...one those secure and snug commercial, folding jobs!)...anyway I'm not complaining though I do resent the commercial outfits that don't even reply or acknowledge the free copy for comment...you know who you are!...how much energy or cost does it take to Email 'thanks but no thanks...good luck' ? The realities of the fast moving world...Anyway the point of this blog is to ask for advice on production of an e-book. A member did offer assistance some months ago, but stupidly (or due to a grey moment) I omitted to write down his name, so assistance please, if possible...many thanks in advance. Jamie (caliwag)
  8. caliwag
    I attach some thoughts from Pinterest about small garden spaces. The key is the three dimensional nature of the designs...a clue to success. A clue to garden design is to itemise/list nice to haves, needs and wants, taking into account views, overlooking, climate and seasons, indeed not dissimilar to house layout, and of course changes in fashion, plant growth etc. Another must is to observe sun angles (OK that's climate and seasons) but it's easy to make assumptions. Obviously think about family changes, as you would for house layout.
     
    https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/216454325818739013/?utm_campaign=popular_pins&e_t=ecee4d7b9e454551878dfe4f94fa37c3&utm_content=216454325818739013&utm_source=31&utm_term=6&utm_medium=2012
  9. caliwag

    Book mini Chapters

    By caliwag,

    In a recent blog, I listed some of the chapters on garden design and ways to approach...clue, 'The same way as a house layout'!
     
    So it seems reasonable to list some of the chapters and book reviews in my book...'Self Build Design...the last thing you need is an architect', not a sideswipe at architects, but a review of your way forward before the architect/designer's fee clock starts ticking. The book is equally appropriate for bespoke/custom designs, as well as renovations, rebuilds and extensions. There is no padding, none of it put together by Phil Space or Phillipa Page, and few pretty, pretty snaps to make you jealous.
     
    Here goes, in no particular order...
     
    House on a narrow plot...a tale of some real, narrow houses...with clues.
    Character, Interest, Delight...wow factor. a reprise of earlier thoughts with a real tale
    Whither fashion...Some thoughts about the sale of a tired classic design, and the ability to see beyond fashion
    The Small House...Its Architecture and Surroundings...some thoughts about an early twentieth Century book, written by an Arts and Crafts architect, but very valid for today.
    The Artistic House...A book review, with reference to Tips from one of the UK's most successful Arts and Crafts architects.
    The Place of Houses...another review of an American House design team complete with extensive check-list.
    Solutions for Making  small houses feel big...a further analysis of Frank Lloyd Wrights thinking. well illustrated with plans.
    The Sensual Home. Some thoughts about Ilse Crawford's coffee table work on the impact of a home on our senses. ever since she has contributed to a US TV show the book now retails for over £100...good luck tracking that down...time for reprint I feel!
    How about a garden to be proud of...My thoughts, along with colleagues, from my spell of teaching architecture.
    How and Where to start design...as above and self-explanatory
    Listing of words and descriptions (and their opposites)...used as a teaching method for 'lost' design students.
    Spatial Excitement...Based on A fully developed response to a question on another forum.
    Brief and site analysis...the 'must do' part of the design process, and the reason why pre-made plans and plan books are, IMHO, pretty pointless
     
    Above is a brief resume of just a few reviews, reiterated blogs and thoughts from teaching days on approach design...its all frustrating sometimes, but great fun. Some readers will know this already.
     
    For more info contact Jamie on lofthousestudio@hotmail.com 
  10. caliwag
    Just caught a piece on the Today programme (about 8.45am R4. 23:4:18) . This was a brief interview with the Editor of Country Life, gardening section, Catherine Bradley-Hole who is leaving the role after 18 years. Her view suggests that there has been a generational rise in garden design and planting as much to do with the environment, health, food and general well-being often promoted by Radio 4 and TV. I am not a great gardener, but my student and teaching experience with Landscape Architect Par Gustafsson, showed me a new way of viewing 'The spaces surrounding and in between our houses. He always used to suggest (in a school of Architecture, would you believe?) that in any project, the first person to be consulted should be a landscape Architect...well, he would do I guess!
     
    However, this all must've rubbed off as in my book "Self Build Home...the last thing you need is an architect!" equally appropriate for custom design, bespoke work and extensions, I attach a list of mini chapters, blogs, references, observations and teachings of  Par, on approaches to landscape and especially garden design.
     
    The site
    Site Analysis
    Outdoor Room
    Repose
    The Seasons
    Threshold and Entrances
    Survey, Analyse and Propose
    Courtyards and the spaces in betwwen
    Transparency and Character
    National Garden Scheme
    Garden Design approach
    Two Gardeners
    How about a garden to be Proud of?
    The Bible...A Pattern Language, Chris Alexander et Al
    Wither Fashion
    Gardens again
     
    Amongst other chapters, I cite these chapters especially as they are about adding value and wow factor to your pride and joy...Happy designing. Email lofthousestudio@hotmail.com for more info                          
  11. caliwag

    Gardens

    By caliwag,

    Hello again...a recent Pinterest garden design vision of approaches...if you don't like lawns! Well you've got to pamper them and cut then 20+ times a year
     
    https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/455074737339246882/?lp=true
  12. caliwag
    Came across this earlier c/o a Homebuilding and Renovating Ad post. Fascinating outfit and based on traditional Northern vernacular...I understand that these modest houses wouldn't suit the massive collection of sofas and picture window brigade but hey what a great starter or retirement home...It's an excellent website too extending to options, interviews and videos of processes etc. Well done the team and Lady behind it all.
     
    http://theweehousecompany.co.uk/
  13. caliwag

    Barn conversions

    By caliwag,

    Appreciate that this is old news but the Yorkshire Post (Yorkshire's National Newspaper!) ran an encouraging article in the farming section of Saturday's paper.
     
    https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/relaxed-barn-conversion-rules-are-economic-boost-to-rural-areas-land-valuers-say-1-9080408
  14. caliwag

    book/e-book

    By caliwag,

    Howdy, I'm just exploring the implications/costings of selling my book 'Self build...the last thing you need is an architect' as an e-book......any help or assistance/experiences gratefully received.
     
    (Price link removed by moderator)
  15. caliwag

    Future ebook

    By caliwag,

    Please click on lofthousestudioAThotmail.com if you may be interested in a copy of an E-book of 'Self Build Home...the last thing you need is an architect'
  16. caliwag

    A Book Nook

    By caliwag,

    Just a sort of screen grab (ignore other images until book nook pops up!). A nice idea A...if you've got book storage problems. B...a redundant closet
     
    Could even be under the stairs with an open front and different lighting, or in the generous bay window...just a thought. Ignore the decor, that's just fashion, or not as the case may be!
     
     
  17. caliwag
    I don't suppose many of you see the Yorkshire Post newspaper which is emblazoned with the banner headline 'Yorkshire's National Newspaper' erm!
     
    Anyway this conversion is neatly handled, in my view, even with expensive steel doors
     
    https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/lifestyle/homes-gardens/for-sale-shipping-container-that-s-now-a-stylish-office-garden-room-1-8992743 
  18. caliwag
    Hello, A piece of 'legislation' I wasn't aware of.
     
    https://www.righttobuildportal.org/?utm_source=Custom+Build+Strategy+Main+Database&utm_campaign=f0c0a00506-NOV_2017_PROFILE_1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c5b24ee15a-f0c0a00506-176850693
     
    This info came on an email today, I guess via the people behind Buildit magazine and the Custom build strategy team ( NSB+RS) in Swindon.I assume that's all Castle Media!
    All very interesting and poignant.
     
    I did send them a copy of my book 'Self build home...the Last Thing you need is an Architect' but sadly not a peep. Perhaps they are inundated with literature, or believed the book to be full of b+ll-sh+t., but no 'Thank you, but no thanks'...No matter, it is selling anyway. I freely admit it's not a technical book (there's enough out there, including their own establishment, not to mention, 'The green building forum' if you really want to get into sums and err 'Dense definitional Thickets' to quote Amory Lovins.) The book is more a design check-list, don't forget and why don't you consider? thinking about space, ;light, circulation...all things architectural, and getting more wow factor value and character...and a few references and reviews of great design books. 
  19. caliwag

    Bi fold doors

    By caliwag,

    Greetings all...I am curious about the rise and rise of the use of bi-folds and similar devices to throw open a room to the elements. Virtually every illustrated Self/custom build appear to show bi-folds fully open. Could I ask why this is? Could members tell me how often they use them? Do you believe, in hindsight, are they such a grand idea or mere advertising puff? Surely, such huge glazed doors/windows are not very green and are net losses to a heating load.
    I live in a converted, yet inefficient, Yorkshire cottage with a pair of trad French windows to the living room...facing a lush garden and receiving the sun until 2.30ish. The French windows have never been fully open in my 3 years here...I don't want a living room full of leaves. Just wondering!
  20. caliwag

    Seeing through Fashion

    By caliwag,

    This is a blog that I posted a while back on another forum that encourages people to look beyond prejudices fashion wth a view to  exploring a pre-owned house that on first glance does not meet up with expectations and even the list of wants.
     
    A Peter Aldington House, near Doncaster, from 1967 (arguably one of the finest Post War Architects in the UK) recently changed hands. It was sold via a bold estate agent calling themselves "The Modern House" Plainly this doesn't mean a house that's been built in the last few years, but houses that that have some Architectural merit. I cannot post a link because the article was in Times (Paywall) by Jayne Dowle, who writes in the Yorkshire Post. I mention fashion in the opening paragraph because at first glance you might think, 'exposed breeze blocks, peeling bargge boards, and pine, that's a bit old and tired, but in fact it has a great plan and probably did not cost much to build.
     
    Indeed the three daughters of the original and only owners, now in their forties, all have fond memories of growing up in the Tardis like house..."We grew up with such pride in our house, when I brought friends home, I would be watching their reaction. As children we were privileged to live there, the windows would be open, and we would be in and out of the garden and the house"
     
    Peter Aldington himself said "My idea has always been contacting the inside with the outside" and "in this house, there is no wasted space, there is no wasted space, everything is connected".
     
    A little group of his houses is also feature in 'The house in the 20th century' by Richard Weston (less than £3 inc P+P on ABE), and the gardens are open
     as part of the charity driven National Garden Scheme...Turn End Haddenham, Bucks .
     
    So, look through and beyond the fashions of the 1960s and just absorb the rich use of space and light...all is still possible in your conversion or newbuild. 
  21. caliwag

    Another book review

    By caliwag,

    Aye, as a guide for design decision making, prompts and reminders if you're starting out, this is a must. I make no apologies for this recommendation, which I started using in 1979. " A Pattern Language" by Chris Alexander, Ishikawa, Silverstein and colleagues is a must...throw away the plan books and use words to explore any sketches to assist in list making of wants, desires, must-haves, dislikes etc. There's no glossy fashion shots, many black and white photos to amplify the theme. The book is built around 253 themes (patterns), which are cross-referenced where appropriate ranging from town-design to placing your miss-matched armchairs...in a nut shell.
     
    The book is difficult to describe in a few words, so I'll quote from the jacket..." At the core of the book is the idea that people should design for themselves: their own houses, streets, communities...Coming from the observation that most wonderful places of the world were not made by architects but by the people."
     
    The book is still available (difficult to see it ever being withdrawn) and is available on abebooks for about £35 and as afree PDF download on a site called 'Diversity Univercity' for how long I know not!, but it's worth looking out for secondhand, because printing out 1200+ pages does not look fun. Of course, you could also support your local independent bookshop (Use it or lose it, and all that).
  22. caliwag
    Aye, the subtitle of a book, that inspires me, by Diane Maddex called "Wright Sized Houses". Published in 2003 (about  £20 on ABEbooks), this is a dissection of some of Frank Lloyd Wright's house designs over six decades. He lived from 1867 to 1959. 
     
    As the title implies, he shows how, amongst his big houses on huge spreads in the States, his tenets apply equally to small houses on conceivably restricted sites. Commenting on FLW's attitudes to entrances Ms Maddex writes "...You couldn't tell where the architecture leaves off and the garden begins". She writes "Front Doors of FLW houses do not usually call out to visitors, who are gently taken in hand on a little voyage of discovery...The Architect makes us work hard to uncover his grand scheme" (Ha, romantic stuff eh?)...This is an attitude (however) espoused by Arthur Martin, Chris Alexander, Baillie Scott, Peter Blundell-Jones and others mentioned in former blogs and blogs to come...intriguing stuff! 
     
    The book generally takes a cross-referenced page a theme, with some plans and excellent illustrations. Some of the themes are 'open plans, 'human scale', 'built-ins', private spaces', 'outdoor rooms', 'natural materials', 'entrances', 'walls and screens' (interior) etc etc.
     
    Altogether I thoroughly recommend this interesting design book which forms yet another useful check-list, reminder and inspiration to add character to your home.
  23. caliwag

    Spatial Excitement

    By caliwag,

    Aye, this was a question raised on another forum, some time ago, and my thoughts. Whether 'Passive House Design should or would spawn spatially exciting architecture?' To my mind passive house design can end up with too much glass, which seems to be trend in new houses. That in itself provoked an inconclusive discussion, mainly based on heat loss versus heat gain...To be honest the jury seemed to be out on that one, without active participation of occupants to open and close external shutters and the attempt to store heat gain in the heavy structure. A digression from spatial interest I know.
     
    Anyway it did get me thinking about the whole notion of 'Spatial Interest and Excitement...well does it give pleasure and make you smile'
     
    It does open up a vast area for discussion as, perhaps, why all buildings, to a lesser or greater degree, aren't spatially exciting. Plainly there is the impact of walking through a small door into a vast, decorated Cathedral or Minster, or the main stair of St Pancras Chambers, which is awe inspiring...All the senses are bombarded at once. As I haven't written a book on the subject (yet) I'll leave you to ponder on that one. Similarly, a concert hall or theatre can have that effect, especially some of the twentieth century ones: I'm thinking of the Berlin Philharmonie  by Hans Scharoun (Post second World War), which appears to have an extra dimension in that the interior is impossible to understand or photograph...Acoustically it is reputed to be one of the finest in the world.
     
    However, these examples are rather a long way from domestic expectations.
     
    I cited, in said forum, the Petersham Nurseries near Richmond in Surrey, which are a surprise and a delight...an expensive culinary delight but a delight none the less. They are just normal timber commercial greenhouses, still selling plants, but also serving as a restaurant. As you can imagine, glare and overheating can be an issue (I guess the place is heated with large blow heaters or gas radiants) so the roof and side walls are randomly shaded with rush matting, and climbers, all with a sort of post-hippy relaxed ease. Marvellous. I may say that the place is also full of distressed  furniture and assorted paintings, rusting urns and statuary; but it works: Walking in through the small door is as delightful and surprising as a visit to Durham Cathedral and the Berlin Philharmonie.
     
    Full of digressions I know but there is a lesson from Petersham: from the outside it's just a dilapidated greenhouse, the Philharmonie hall from the outside is frankly unusual, and some might say somewhat ungainly, (though 40+ years ahead of its time in that respect!...getting architecturally controversial there, but that's just fashion and expectations, and it was fittingly designed from the inside out according to acoustic needs.
     
    As someone on the other forum said, any spatial excitement, at least in 20th buildings, will come entirely from the people who want it. as in any house, if you put your mind to it! Of course it may just come from decoration, but I think that the control of light and shade, surface finish, glimpses to other ares and activities, vistas and awareness of the senses, will all naturally, and by design, work towards a fascinating goal...of course it may be like a model railways, it's never really finished! 
  24. caliwag

    A great read

    By caliwag,

    OK, a slightly different blog format...suggestion from aregular member...
     
    I am moved to recommend a book by Bill Bryson, who seems to shoot from the hip as it were to inspiring effect! In fact I pick up everything he's written in the local charity shop now. Sorry Bill if you're reading this, (which is extremely unlikely I know) I did by 'At Home...a short history of private life' at full hardback price, and worth every penny!
     
    The Book (reviewed in Guardian Weekend with a small excerpt), is a must, if only because it's a wonderful ramble through the history of how we have lived and survived: it's all loosely based around his 19th century rectory in Norfolk. He's adopted England, or exchanged his Stateside upbringing, in favour of various spots around the UK. There are many digressions and meanderings from extravagant country piles and the Crystal Palace to public health improvement, but it is very entertaining: worth £2.50 from abebooks or less in your local charity shop, indeed for the bibliography alone.
     
    Basically Mr B uses each room of the house and its activities, as a vehicle for history, discussion and development. I guess a Victorian rectory is a good a device as any.
     
    Essential reading for all architecture students and anyone who lives in a house and who is remotely curious about how we have arrived at 600 square feet dwellings without any storage or even a window in the kitchen.
     
    Right! Look out for all Bryson Books, covering the continents, and especially the development of our living habits, spaces and  quirks of home life. Bill Bryson 'At Home...A short History of Private Life'...possibly to be compared fashion-wise with early Country Life yearbooks and the like. 
  25. caliwag

    Two Gardeners

    By caliwag,

    I mention in an earlier blog the desirability of considering the outdoor spaces and gardens at the same time as the house design.
     
    Circulation and spatial thinking are very similar to the house layout. Making decisions about entrances and thresholds, capitalising on views and vistas, (to say nothing of orientation and overlooking/shadowing...See Survey blog) sitting places in morning and evening sun as well as dappling if you cannot stand direct sun! It's a good idea to list activities and needs just as you would for the home. In general the garden changes, both with the seasons and plant growth more quickly than the home.
     
    I say this because I was recently alerted (via the excellent Garden Illustrated magazine) to two approaches to garden structure and use. Admittedly one is more urban, three dimensional and controlled than the other., but they are at opposite ends of a wide garden design spectrum, yet both gardeners impress and are not creating sculptural 'do not use' gardens.
     
    It is interesting that there are hundreds of garden design and planting magazines out there, all by and large playing with the same palettes (a bit like Western music...How many variations with just 12 notes?) yet very few true house design books. Those that exist tend to veer into construction issues. 
     
    I am not posting images as there are quite a few websites on these two, but please take a look at Luciano Giubbilei and Beth Chatto. Luciano has a rigorously strict palette and Beth, as a delightful explorer of rare plants and ones for hostile environments, seem to employ everything available. Both have won Chelsea Flower Show prizes. Remember ABEBooks.co.uk for copious source material
     
    Explore, plant and enjoy!
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