Architecture project // Clay Structures Embracing Oak Trees and Integrated Water Features

Clay Structures Embracing Oak Trees and Integrated Water Features

Authors:

Ieva Baranauskaite, Yang Wang

Grounded by clay and framed by oak trees, the design integrates water features and diverse gardens to create a thoughtful guest house that enhances interaction with the surrounding landscape.

5 key facts about this project

Continuous clay solids are used for interior partitions, enhancing functionality and aesthetics.

The guest house is strategically positioned among existing oak trees to integrate with nature.

Water features are designed to create microhabitats, promoting local biodiversity.

An entrance garden serves as a natural buffer between public and private areas.

The design incorporates varied garden zones to support different types of vegetation.

General keywords

nature gardens guesthouse spa pond entry landscape territory clay private

Project specific keywords

oak terrace water corridor fruit garden inner path

The design is set within a landscape that harmonizes natural features with built structures, focusing on the connection between the two. The concept emphasizes growth and adaptability, allowing different areas to serve various functions. This thoughtful layout encourages interaction and engagement, crafting an inviting atmosphere.

Integration with Landscape

The overall layout is divided into three key zones: the entry yard, the fruit garden, and the southern terrain, which includes a pond and a hill. Each of these areas has a distinct purpose yet works together cohesively. The entry yard welcomes visitors, guiding them to the main entrance. Meanwhile, the fruit garden provides a natural divide, promoting a flow between public and private spaces.

Internal Composition

A linear building that accommodates the guest house and spa links three important natural elements: oak trees, the hill, and the pond. This arrangement enhances the experience along the building’s inner path. Visitors are encouraged to explore and interact with their surroundings, while the entrance garden acts as a vital connection point between nature and the architecture, improving accessibility.

Material Usage

Continuous interior clay solids play a significant role in the design. They serve a variety of functions within the space. These clay features create connections to the entrance garden, a water corridor, and a stone path leading toward an outdoor tub. The use of clay reflects an adaptable approach, responding to both functional and environmental requirements, which strengthens the project’s overall narrative.

Seamless Transitions

The weaving edge of the surface represents the materiality of clay. This design choice results in smooth transitions between the indoor areas and the outside world. The careful use of materials enhances connections with the landscape, promoting interaction between the natural world and the built environment. The design captures a sense of unity, enriching the experience of movement and presence throughout the space.