Shire House
“There, and back again” J.R.R. Tolkien
Just like human body, the way we position ourselves in relation to our surroundings is defined by our orientation. It’s not the same to be in front of something, than staring from a rotated angle. Ultimately, It’s Geometry what defines orientation. As seen like this, it becomes clear that geometry guides the articulation of spaces. That is the starting point for Shire, a Project whose owners, after living for a long time in the city, in very few square feet, are in the search for something new: To generate connection with exteriors, and to create different situations and sceneries, all in relation with Nature.
Said concept derived into a two-step process. The first one consisted on dividing a linear bar, which accommodated the program. Afterwards, we began flexing said bar till we joined both ends, now forming a full circle, without vertices, without Limits.
With the parametrization of the geometry, we began to discover the articulation
between spaces and the rest of the land, thus creating different situations.
The mixture of geometry and nature allows to create a new dimension of an ascending path as an extension of the same geometry. Thus, constructing a new space to inhabit, in another level and with panoramic views.
Simultaneously, the client’s intent was to leave the city to create a new lifestyle.
Instead of buying and throwing goods away, the idea is to produce, consume as
needed and then recycle. There would be no more garbage, since the system would be self-sufficient. It generates its own electricity, heating, water and, above all, food.
When architecture begins to merge with its surroundings, it creates several benefits. Beyond the obvious ecological and functional ones, which are plenty by themselves, the “Leading role” would now belong to nature instead of the building itself. Another great benefit is that, instead of traditional constructions, which only deteriorate with the passing of time, the Shire amalgamates progressively with nature.
