Guiding Principles for New Contruction at A Studio in the Woods

Co-Authored by Joe and Lucianne Carmichael, with John Anderson
18 May 2006 - Draft

When we design and build structures on the earth we define our relationship with the world around us. In designing and building new structures on our site we seek to define that relationship as one of mutual respect and symbiosis. We respect and care for the needs of the natural environment as they are one with our own. We use the gifts of nature to provide for our own needs and seek an architecture that strives to pay back this debt.

While several structures are planned to be added to the site over the course of the next few years, our immediate opportunity and challenge will be the conception and construction of the Steward’s Residence. In a 2004 conversation with Yvette Jones and John McLachlan of Tulane, Joe and Lucianne Carmichael simply expressed the goals of project. “We are trusting that this cottage will be an organic structure and that it will help to initiate the Rural Studio model of teaching at Tulane School of Architecture.” The time will soon be upon us to make these desires a reality – the Steward’s Residence will be included in the Fall 2006 curriculum at TSA, in a studio led by Eean McNaughton. Design and construction will take place over the course of the next year. The following principles will stand for this as well as future projects to guide decision making along the way.

Principle 1: Learning

Joe and Lucianne’s highest priority for the design and construction of all structures on the site is that they provide for a significant learning process for Tulane students, faculty and administration. In addition, visitors to the woods should leave with a sense of how a work of architecture can coexist in a symbiotic relationship with nature, and be able to take home a set of principles, concepts and techniques that might influence their own sense of what constitutes appropriate building. Thirdly, users of the woods, artists, musicians, writers and others should be inspired by the structures of the place, and their relationship with nature:

“Transformed by the natural environment and intense focus, I soon began to feel and hear new themes, melodies and rhythms. Suddenly my whole life opened up and everything – from the studio’s surroundings to every conscious musical, historical or cultural thoughts – produced new musical ideas.” Dr. Michael White remembering his experience at A Studio in the Woods in the liner notes to his CD, Dancing in the Sky.

Such is the power of place when imbued with love, care and thought.

Principle 2: Respect for our Site

Our “microenvironment” of bottomland hardwood forest must be respected and enhanced by all new construction, especially in light of the changes wrought by Hurricane Katrina. The forest will be minimally disturbed, if at all. The forest will not be pierced, nor will any scientific study plots mapped by our property manager be compromised. Already footprinted spaces will be used for new structures, parking and construction access. The use of heavy construction equipment will be kept to a minimum. A revisiting of the Master Site Plan will be necessary in order for us to adhere to this principle.

The Mississippi River , only a few hundred feet away, whose water level rises and falls, causes the land’s water table to rise and fall. Summer thunderstorms produce high winds with intense heavy rains. Hurricanes bring their own set of forces destructive to the built environment. Deep South humidity promotes decay and mold growth. High summer temperatures must be modulated through orientation and shading of fenestration. All of these factors will have immediate effect on design decisions made during the building process, and on long term maintenance and operations of facilities.

Principle 3: Sustainability of the Highest Order

Be aware of water, humidity, high summer temperatures and hurricanes as natural geographic and manmade challenges that must be planned for in terms of sustainability, human comfort and well being.

Use as little potable water as possible. Capture rainwater and use it for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets, landscape irrigation, washing etc. Purified captured rainwater could be used in case of emergencies.

Strive to create a structure that makes more energy than it uses, through the use of renewable energy techniques such as solar and wind power. The opening up of the tree canopy could be a blessing in disguise, as more solar and wind energy will be now be allowed to penetrate down to building level.

Use materials with low embodied energy, high recycled content, and salvaged materials with character (taking our cue from the existing residence). Use materials healthy for both occupant and planet. Use locally harvested and produced materials where possible to stimulate our local economy, and minimize burning fossil fuels for shipping.

Provide for healthy indoor environmental quality through the use of low-emitting materials, access to light and views and appropriate natural ventilation. Use natural light to illuminate interior spaces during the day. Modulate and adjust quantity and quality of direct solar gain and natural breezes to customize interior spaces for maximum thermal delight.

Make an architecture that nurtures life and creativity.

Principle 4: Hurricane Resistance and Survivability

Structures must be designed for a long life, meaning that a strategy for surviving hurricanes must be incorporated, as do resistance to hurricane force winds and protection from flooding, both storm surge and rising water. At least one structure on site should provide for the survival needs of its occupants post-storm by making its own energy, providing a source of potable water, and providing a comfortable interior living environment. Buildings should be easily and inexpensively repaired after a hurricane.

Principle 5: Organic and Artful Design

The design of buildings at A Studio in the Woods should reflect nature, be fine tuned to their surroundings, be unique works of art, inspired by their place in the world, a mirror held up to the spirit of the place. They should be hand crafted and non replicable, in the tradition of the existing structures on site, and should be experimental in their thinking on all levels. Personal, emotional, spiritual and visual qualities should dwell in these structures, as suggested by the writings of Christopher Alexander in A Pattern Language, A Timeless Way of Building, and The Nature of Order: An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe. Designers of buildings on the site should take inspiration from the work of artist and architectural designer James Hubbell and others who have made poignant, personal works of architecture that serve as an inspiration to many.

Principle 6: Respect the Functional Requirements of the Project

Architecture is a careful and considered combination of art and function – both are equally important – neither can be sacrificed or compromised for the benefit of the other. Each building project will begin with a list of practical requirements crafted to illustrate specific functional requirements.