Architectural Cases

Clay Rise represents a harmonious blend of innovative architectural design and practical family living, nestled within the picturesque landscape of West Sussex. Conceived and constructed by the visionary duo, Andre and Jessica Templeton Ford, this residence serves as a testament to their commitment to creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally adaptable. Its distinctive multi-layered, undulating roofline, crafted from traditional clay materials, not only pays homage to the local vernacular architecture but also cleverly navigates stringent planning regulations, making it a unique landmark in the area.

This dwelling is a thoughtful response to the needs of a multi-generational family, providing distinct yet interconnected living quarters. The design philosophy emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, evidenced by the strategic use of prefabricated timber frame systems that dramatically streamlined the construction process. Furthermore, the interior spaces are meticulously planned for future modifications, allowing the home to evolve seamlessly with the family's changing requirements without necessitating extensive structural overhauls. Every detail, from the material selection to the lighting integration, reflects a desire to create a warm, inviting, and enduring home.

Innovative Design and Construction

Clay Rise, the inaugural project by Templeton Ford, showcases a contemporary interpretation of traditional British housing. The architects ingeniously incorporated a striking three-tiered, curvilinear roof that not only adds visual interest but also cleverly addresses local planning restrictions concerning building height and eaves. This playful yet practical design approach allowed them to infuse the residence with a strong individual character without overwhelming its surroundings. The exterior features a classic material palette of clay bricks and matching tiles, ensuring the house harmonizes with the varied architectural styles found in the village, from archetypal homes to elaborate Arts and Crafts buildings. The sweeping roof forms, clad in clay tiles, create an unusual and memorable profile against the West Sussex skyline.

The construction process for Clay Rise leveraged a prefabricated timber frame system, a decision that proved pivotal for efficiency and precision, especially given the building's intricate curved geometry. Andre Templeton Ford, who personally managed the construction, highlighted how prefabrication reduced the on-site build time to a mere two weeks, underscoring its role in ensuring cost and program certainty. This method allowed for a highly controlled and expedited assembly, crucial for bringing such an ambitious design to fruition. The design prioritizes both form and function, ensuring that while the house stands out, it also respects its environmental and regulatory context, embodying a confident yet grounded architectural statement.

Adaptable Living for Multi-Generational Families

Designed to cater to a multi-generational family, Clay Rise thoughtfully integrates separate yet connected living spaces. The house is situated on a sloping plot adjacent to Andre Templeton Ford's childhood home, allowing both the main residence and a self-contained apartment to have independent ground-floor entrances. The lowest level houses a two-bedroom apartment suitable for the younger family members, while the upper two floors comprise the main house, offering a flexible kitchen, dining, living area, and a bedroom suite for the grandparents. This arrangement ensures privacy and independence while facilitating easy family interaction.

A central feature connecting these levels is a gracefully curved, CNC-cut staircase, finished with natural lime plaster, adding a touch of organic elegance to the interior. The interior design, overseen by Jessica Templeton Ford, features a rich palette of timber and stone floors, bespoke joinery crafted from timber offcuts, and curved oak handrails, all contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lighting is subtly integrated into the architectural curves and recesses, enhancing the serene ambiance. The 193-square-meter floor plan is inherently adaptable, allowing for future subdivision to create additional rooms or workspaces, thus enabling the house to evolve with the family's growth without requiring significant structural alterations. This forward-thinking design ensures the home remains functional and comfortable for years to come.

A remarkable archaeological breakthrough has occurred in Fano, Italy, where researchers have confirmed the discovery of a basilica believed to be the sole building designed by the influential Roman architect, Vitruvius. Vitruvius is renowned for writing "De Architectura," the earliest known treatise on architectural theory, which remains a cornerstone of Western architectural principles. This identification marks a significant moment, offering a tangible connection to the architectural genius whose written works have guided builders and designers for millennia.

The excavation, initiated in 2023 at Fano's Piazza Andrea Costa, led to the uncovering of a vast Roman public building. Its form, location, and dimensions align precisely with descriptions found in Book V of "De Architectura," a text penned in the 1st century BC. The basilica, thought to have been completed in 19 BC, features a grand interior defined by 18 columns, some of which measure 150 centimeters in diameter and are estimated to have reached 15 meters in height. The crucial piece of evidence that solidified the identification was the unearthing of a final corner column whose position matched Vitruvius's detailed accounts with exact precision.

This extraordinary finding is heralded as a pivotal moment for both the study of architectural history and the cultural heritage of Fano. Andrea Pessina, the head of archaeology for Ancona and Pesaro-Urbino, emphasized the profound importance of this discovery, not only for the academic community but also for the city's archaeological landscape. The identification provides a vital key to interpreting long-known historical traces and structures within Fano, paving the way for continued exploration, conservation, and public engagement with this invaluable ancient site. Fano authorities are now formulating plans for ongoing excavation efforts and the long-term preservation and display of this monumental discovery.

The unearthing of Vitruvius's basilica serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and the profound impact of their innovators. It inspires us to continually seek connections to our past, understanding that these discoveries not only enrich our knowledge but also illuminate the timeless principles of design and construction. This find encourages a deeper appreciation for the meticulous records left by historical figures like Vitruvius and fosters a collective commitment to protecting and celebrating our shared human heritage.