"This week has been such an eye opener for me. I didn't realise how much goes into a project for an architect. You have to know a lot about all the regulations, requirements and construction as well as proposing a design which meet the clients needs. Then there is tendering, (which you know how it feels to not get a job when so much effort goes in) working with sometimes less knowledgeable clients to pick the right choice is probably one of the most stressful parts because if you don’t pick the right contractor, for example, then the whole project will suffer. Alas, feeling the stress and frustration but working tirelessly (with appropriate hobnob and tea breaks) pays off and seeing that here has not put me off working and studying for the next 10 years or so to become a qualified architect.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to help me with my SketchUp issues and showing me what you're doing has been really beneficial. Each day passes easily, and this week as gone by quickly (I hope it has been the same for you!?). The project has kept me interested and provided me with an extended skill set which I can see will prove useful. Thinking about the building in terms of the physical construction has made me think about the design in ways that ease the construction, I cannot begin to think about how complicated Conygre House is!

This week has made me admire you and respect you for all the effort you put it, I will never look at a building in the same way. I see them as a product of intricate detail and not just how pretty the overall view.

Thank you again!

Maja"

The concept: This is a home for a family which is always busy: together and apart. Resulting in a home which needs to be spacious yet private. These families have one view on life, which is for life to be embraced in all its ways. Resulting in the name of the house/design: ‘One View’.

From my experience with sitting in a lounge with a view of the street being close to the pavement, is one of feeling like a mannequin in a shop window. I wanted to give to rooms at the front of the house enough natural light and views but eliminating the peering public. Consequently the windows are a perfect height for viewing when seated but when standing you’ll either see the floor or nothing at all. Which is the best of both worlds. On the opposite side of the house there is also an opposite situation with the windows. Not having the issue of pedestrians peering through allows for the opportunity to have a wall sized window, framing the garden giving a better, prettier view.

In a modern home, the rooms are multi functional. Therefore having an open plan ground floor allows a larger space for the heart of the home: the kitchen. A kitchen isn’t just a kitchen, in this case, it is a social room, a work station and also a place to enjoy the view of the garden. However all love privacy especially when relaxing. Consequently, having a closed off lounge provides quiet from the television to others in the home and also quiet to those watching television or reading a book from the hustle and bustle of the house.

Having a more open plan kitchen also provides better circulation, with multiple routes around the room. So if a person is working on the dining table or the island, they are not disturbed by someone coming into the kitchen for a snack.

Keeping limited and neutral materials provides uniformity to the home allowing the owner to add their personality through pictures on the wall and furniture of their choosing.

Thank you Maja, and good luck with your Baccalaureate!