UK to appoint national head of architecture

The UK government is recruiting for a head of architecture to “champion the importance of good design” and “raise the design standards of new housing schemes”.

The position within the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), which comes with a £61,083 salary, is for a qualified architect to advise on “architectural policy and practice”.

According to the job specification, the candidate needs a “strong political awareness” and “a proven track record of delivering quality housing schemes”.

The new role has been announced following the establishment of the government’s Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, which also aims to improve the design of homes in the country.

Role to champion importance of good design

Along with advising on housing, the head of architecture will be expected to give design support for projects across the government.

“A critical element of this role will be to establish the department as a centre of knowledge and advice on design matters to ensure that across government programmes the importance of design outcomes is recognised and implemented,” reads the job description.

“In addition you will champion the importance of good design outcomes to the construction industry, architectural practices, house builders and planning departments, to raise the design standards of new housing schemes, thereby influencing communities’ attitudes to new development.”

The government is recruiting the head of architecture position as part of its drive to place housing at the top of is domestic agenda, with the department stating that the lack of quality design is limiting the amount of housing being built.

“We have identified that the quality of design of new housing developments can often be perceived as a barrier to achieving planning permissions or public support for the new housing we need,” said the department.

“We recognise the need to create great places to live but we also recognise the need to reassure communities that the new developments will be of a high standard.”

“It’s a very good thing”

The British architecture community has reacted positively to the announcement.

“It’s great that MHCLG are investing in their team of civil servants with appropriate expertise to support the narrative articulated by politicians,” Ben Derbyshire, RIBA president and chair of housing architecture firm HTA, told Dezeen.

“I believe the new head of architecture will provide an excellent point of contact to deliver on this potential – with substance, not merely style.”

British architect Piers Taylor, who recently organised a letter signed by 1,000 architects to the UK prime minister stating that Brexit would be devastating, told Dezeen: “It’s a very good thing.”

“Whoever does it needs to engage with policy rather than issues of design, and instigate a set of policies where the government can take a lead on affordable housing delivery,” he added.

Main image, of a social housing scheme in London designed by Bell Phillips, is by Killian O’Sullivan.

The post UK to appoint national head of architecture appeared first on Dezeen.

The Nostalgic and Dreamlike World of Lola Gil’s Paintings

Lola Gil est l’une de ces artistes pour qui l’art est essentiel à l’existence même. Celle-ci laisse son subconscient la guider vers des récits, qu’elle retransmet dans ses œuvres. Sans faire de croquis préliminaires, elle crée directement et laisse l’instant la transporter, un processus que l’artiste vit comme une aventure. « Mes inspirations viennent de mes expériences personnelles et ‘d’images flash’ que j’ai vues au fil du temps. Par exemple, une scène de film peut me mener dans plusieurs directions. La musique peut également créer des émotions qui me conduisent à un appariement visuel », ajoute-t-elle. Un univers aux saveurs nostalgiques et intrigant. 

« Depuis que je suis petite, je suis une rêveuse. Le surréalisme a donc toujours été ce que je préfère», conclue-t-elle. Une grande place est donnée à l’onirisme dans ses oeuvres, tant dans l’interprétation libre qu’elle offre aux spectateurs qu’en tant que cheminement personnel pour déverrouiller les images intérieures dont elle n’a peut-être pas conscience et qui existent pourtant.






Ready, Set, Scoot!

rolley_scooterson_layout

The award-winning Rolley Scooterson 2 is so easy to use, you could almost do it blindfolded… but please don’t! Designed to be intuitive to use, once the rider climbs aboard, they only have to remember how to use the brake lever.

The electric drivetrain consists of three gears. One easy push with the leg will get it moving in first gear. A second push will throw it into second. And third gear is engaged simply by sitting down. When the user is ready to wind down, the must simply grip the brake and provide pressure. Other smart features like adaptive headlights, anti-theft systems, and an adaptive torque system that adjusts for maximizing battery life make it ideal for both personal and public platforms.

Designers: Ionut Predescu & Mihnea de Vries of Scooterson Inc.

rolley_scooterson_01

The ergonomics were tested to find the perfect universal dimensions that would work for any height and body measures to eliminate the need to adjust the seat or handlebar. Using components made of magnesium alloys and aerospace grade aluminum alloys, assembled on the world’s first full Carbon/Kevlar-reinforced polymer chassis designed for a scooter, the composite body is three times lighter than any other scooter in the same form-factor. When it comes to aesthetics, all curves and proportions have well-studied ratios and the decorative patterns are mathematically generated for a clean and organic look.

rolley_scooterson_02

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Kyle House is a remote Scottish holiday home with a "monastically simple" interior

Architecture studio GRAS has transformed a derelict cottage in the Scottish Highlands into a pared-back contemporary holiday home by slotting a series of oak-lined “boxes” inside the existing stone structure.

The Edinburgh-based firm, headed by architect Gunnar Groves-Raines, oversaw the renovation of Kyle House for preservation and hospitality organisation Wildland, which has restored several historic properties in Scotland.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The two-storey house is situated at the tip of the Kyle of Tongue and is the only inhabited property to enjoy uninterrupted views along the length of the sea loch.

The existing property most likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century and is believed to have been built using the remains of a 2,000-year-old iron-age building that occupied a hilltop above the site.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands
Photo is by Alexander MacLeod

When GRAS first got involved in the project the building was an empty shell, with a tin roof sheltering a damp void inside the stone walls.

Working alongside Wildland’s head of design, Ruth Kramer, the studio proposed a faithful renovation of the exterior using traditional materials including stone, lime render, lead and slate, but suggested that the interior be completely modernised.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands
Photo is by Alexander MacLeod

“There was nothing left inside and no evidence of what had existed originally,” Groves-Raines told Dezeen, “so we felt it was a blank canvas to do something different internally that was contained within the restored exterior shell.”

The existing building only had windows on the front, with none on the gable ends. As a result the interior was dark and there was a need to bring more light in.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The main intervention in the exterior involved cutting new openings into the rear elevation and both gables, which increases the amount of daylight reaching the interior and provides views of the surrounding landscape.

The architects had a rough idea of the building’s original layout and were keen to maintain its symmetry as much as possible, while opening up the interior spaces to make the most of views in all four directions.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The interior is conceived as “a series of finely crafted oak boxes” inserted into the stone shell. These crafted timber volumes help to create a simple, modern aesthetic that contrasts with the ancient materiality of the exterior.

“We wanted to make a clear distinction between what is original and what is new,” Groves-Raines added. “The humble use of materials and almost monastic simplicity of the design places greater emphasis on the space and landscape.”

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The property is intended for use by a couple, so there was no need to separate the spaces. The oak joinery incorporates sliding doors that provide privacy when required, but are almost invisible when open.

Throughout the interior, equal emphasis is given to spaces for sleeping, eating, living and bathing. Only essential objects such as the kitchen units and fireplaces are added to the pared-back rooms.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The kitchen and living spaces are situated on either side of the entrance on the ground floor. Each room features a large deep-set window that frames a view of the wild landscape.

In the living room, a window seat extends to meet the base of the open hearth, while a similar timber structure in the kitchen forms a bench for the dining area.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

All of the joinery, including the window reveals and kitchen units, is constructed from the same Danish oak to enhance the feeling of consistency throughout the rooms.

Locally mined Caithness stone used for the flooring is polished to create a tactile and subtly glossy finish, and its dark tone is echoes by details such as the metal window frames and light fixtures.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

On the upper floor, a circulation and storage space separates the bedroom from a generously proportioned bathroom, with the bathtub positioned next to a window that provides a view looking east towards Ben Loyal.

Renovating remote cottages is an attractive prospect in Scotland, where the scenery lends itself to secluded retreats.

When restoring an old granite farmhouse in the Scottish Highlands, British studio Moxon added an extension in larch and red metal in a matching gabled profile. Meanwhile Edinburgh-based practice A449 recently turned a 20th century cottage on the Scottish Borders into a writers home, cladding the structure in scorched larch wood.

Photography is by Martin Kaufmann unless stated.

The post Kyle House is a remote Scottish holiday home with a “monastically simple” interior appeared first on Dezeen.

Introducing, the Sushi Sack

As yummy as it looks, this is not the kind of sushi you want to put in your tummy. What looks like a maki hand-roll is actually a cleverly designed tote with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

The distinct look is a result of the bag’s built-in storage functionality which includes a special hook-and-loop strap system that secures the bag once you’ve folded and wrapped it up. As convenient as they are cute, you can pair up multiple rolls and they will still take up less room than a single traditional tote.

Designer: Billy Law – Daydreamer Studio

sushi_01

sushi_02

sushi_03

sushi_04

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Kyle House is a remote Scottish holiday home with a "monastically simple" interior

Architecture studio GRAS has transformed a derelict cottage in the Scottish Highlands into a pared-back contemporary holiday home by slotting a series of oak-lined “boxes” inside the existing stone structure.

The Edinburgh-based firm, headed by architect Gunnar Groves-Raines, oversaw the renovation of Kyle House for preservation and hospitality organisation Wildland, which has restored several historic properties in Scotland.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The two-storey house is situated at the tip of the Kyle of Tongue and is the only inhabited property to enjoy uninterrupted views along the length of the sea loch.

The existing property most likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century and is believed to have been built using the remains of a 2,000-year-old iron-age building that occupied a hilltop above the site.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands
Photo is by Alexander MacLeod

When GRAS first got involved in the project the building was an empty shell, with a tin roof sheltering a damp void inside the stone walls.

Working alongside Wildland’s head of design, Ruth Kramer, the studio proposed a faithful renovation of the exterior using traditional materials including stone, lime render, lead and slate, but suggested that the interior be completely modernised.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands
Photo is by Alexander MacLeod

“There was nothing left inside and no evidence of what had existed originally,” Groves-Raines told Dezeen, “so we felt it was a blank canvas to do something different internally that was contained within the restored exterior shell.”

The existing building only had windows on the front, with none on the gable ends. As a result the interior was dark and there was a need to bring more light in.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The main intervention in the exterior involved cutting new openings into the rear elevation and both gables, which increases the amount of daylight reaching the interior and provides views of the surrounding landscape.

The architects had a rough idea of the building’s original layout and were keen to maintain its symmetry as much as possible, while opening up the interior spaces to make the most of views in all four directions.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The interior is conceived as “a series of finely crafted oak boxes” inserted into the stone shell. These crafted timber volumes help to create a simple, modern aesthetic that contrasts with the ancient materiality of the exterior.

“We wanted to make a clear distinction between what is original and what is new,” Groves-Raines added. “The humble use of materials and almost monastic simplicity of the design places greater emphasis on the space and landscape.”

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The property is intended for use by a couple, so there was no need to separate the spaces. The oak joinery incorporates sliding doors that provide privacy when required, but are almost invisible when open.

Throughout the interior, equal emphasis is given to spaces for sleeping, eating, living and bathing. Only essential objects such as the kitchen units and fireplaces are added to the pared-back rooms.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

The kitchen and living spaces are situated on either side of the entrance on the ground floor. Each room features a large deep-set window that frames a view of the wild landscape.

In the living room, a window seat extends to meet the base of the open hearth, while a similar timber structure in the kitchen forms a bench for the dining area.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

All of the joinery, including the window reveals and kitchen units, is constructed from the same Danish oak to enhance the feeling of consistency throughout the rooms.

Locally mined Caithness stone used for the flooring is polished to create a tactile and subtly glossy finish, and its dark tone is echoes by details such as the metal window frames and light fixtures.

Kyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish HighlandsKyle House renovation by GRAS in the Scottish Highlands

On the upper floor, a circulation and storage space separates the bedroom from a generously proportioned bathroom, with the bathtub positioned next to a window that provides a view looking east towards Ben Loyal.

Renovating remote cottages is an attractive prospect in Scotland, where the scenery lends itself to secluded retreats.

When restoring an old granite farmhouse in the Scottish Highlands, British studio Moxon added an extension in larch and red metal in a matching gabled profile. Meanwhile Edinburgh-based practice A449 recently turned a 20th century cottage on the Scottish Borders into a writers home, cladding the structure in scorched larch wood.

Photography is by Martin Kaufmann unless stated.

The post Kyle House is a remote Scottish holiday home with a “monastically simple” interior appeared first on Dezeen.