In this project, a traditional 'two-up, two-down' Victorian mid-terrace in Manchester is adapted for 21st century living based on the concept of a retreat, where rest, contemplation and peace are foremost. Viewed from the sky, the 'residential complex' is a corridor of interlinked indoor-outdoor spaces that embody the three realms of life – public, private, and sacred - that are most satisfying physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
The public realm, a semiprivate front yard partly concealed behind a combination of thin wood slats and a composition of lush, evergreen bamboo shrubs and ornamental grasses, is a contemporary reinterpretation of one of the most pronounced and distinguishing qualities of Japanese domestic architecture, the engawa: an open, timber-floored corridor or verandah serving simultaneously as an extension of the interior living space; a sheltering structure against wind, rain, and, in the summer, the strong rays of the sun; and as a viewing platform or deck on which one can sit, relax and enjoy the nature that surrounds them, or converse with neighbours and friends.
The private realm, an enfilade of living and dining spaces, is articulated by a sequence of door-windows, that not only frame picture-like views of the surrounding greenery and shifting patterns of light and shadows; but also allow for space to be lightly divided without destroying the concept of a generous, fluid and almost uninterrupted multi-functional space. The solid wood plank floor and the walls, finished with a well-crafted shadow gap, grey-green natural clay plaster, and thick oak mouldings, create a calm atmosphere that fosters reflection. When in need of privacy, window-doors are covered with white fabric that filters the light and visually isolates the home from the outside.
Having passed through the private realm onto the sacred realm - the private backyard - a small limestone cobble path leads to a neo-traditional rendition of the free-standing sala open pavilion found throughout northern Thailand's valleys, rice fields, waterways, and gardens. The heart of the sala is its broad terrace or chaan, around which tall walls; trees, bushes, and grasses; and a huge projecting roof canopy add a level of privacy and intimacy. A large dining table replete with benches and two lounge chairs by Tribu, are perfectly positioned so that the green of nature is never out sight whilst one engages in pastimes such as reading and writing, coffee and al fresco dining, yoga-like practices, contemplation and meditation.
An open to the sky, terrace of white gravel and a single Japanese maple tree – that represents the cycles of nature and time – provides a shaded summer season resting space for taking in the afternoon sun, watching the sun set, or gazing at the stars and the moon.
