Summary
Gert Wingårdh, an architect, is known both in his native Sweden and internationally, for his designs stemming from residential homes to large public and corporate buildings. Known for his own unique interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wrights "organic architecture," his integration of natural materials with the structure, makes it appear as if the elements are one and the same. The [Millhouse] is a product of Wingårdhs' translation of Wrights principles of incorporating geographical and botanical elements and blending smooth materials with natural elements. One example being rough boulders left in place in the floor, reminiscent of one of Wrights' crowned jewels of architectural achievements, Falling Water. That weekend retreat designed for the Kaufmann family in Pennsylvania, USA, is world reknowned for its open floor plan, built-in furniture, low horizontal lines, natural field stone, for integrating the interior with the landscape around it, and for the stunning concrete platforms cantilevered over the stream attesting to the genius of Wright. Gert Wingårdh, like many, was influenced by Wright, but has managed to create his own impression from the philosophy of organic architecture.
The exterior of the house and the gardens are a visual treat unto itself. A contemporary interpretation of a traditional Japanese tea house, it seems to be floating on the water. "It is elegant," say Wingårdh, "it's not a large space, but no less spectacular! My methodology? I allowed the environment to guide my planning." The grounds, designed with elements of eastern principles by Swedish landscape team, Nature Oriented Design (NOD), provides the perfect finishing touch and integrating all the natural elements integral to this fantastic site! The original stream on the property is incorporated with the natural elements to create a dramatic new space. Once a small stream, Wingårdh redirected the water flow from it to an outdoor bathtub which then overflows onto the limestone platform and trickles down into the reflecting pool creating a constant sound of moving water. In Japanese fashion, large rocks poke through the smooth surface of the water embodying the Zen relationship to the garden. The grounds are a visual tactile experience which leaves a distinctive impression on all the guests who visit thereSmall but efficient, the interior detailing is a collaboration of Gert and Karens' design skills. According to [Karin Wing], she really enjoyed her role in the development of this project from conception to completion and comments that The Millhouse is "something that I would like for myself. It has a very masculine and earthy look." The furniture was custom designed by Karin especially for this house. While she and Gert worked on the over all design together, Karin was responsible for the fine detailing on the furniture. A long L-shaped sofa is built onto the walls of the living room providing an efficient and maintenance-free space. With grey soft furnishings to echo the tonality of the limestone flooring, it easily can accommodate seating for visitors. Task lighting on the ledge above the sofa designed by Philippe Starch, called Archimoon Tech Desk Lamp, produced by the Flos Company of Italy, provides good reading light, but doesn't over come the space. The furniture is unique and beautiful, made of American maple and constructed in a jig saw manner without the use of nails. The joinery construction gives the furniture, walls and kitchen cabinets a special quality and authenticity blending into the warmth and charm of the house.See the full content of this document
Extract
The Zen of Style
Cultures unite in this holiday retreat hidden in the middle of a quiet grove of trees.
Amidst the sound of bird song and the gentle trickle of a babbling brook in the quiet countryside, sits a small gem of a house on a family farm in southern Sweden. This uniquely wonderful structure, designed through the architectural collaboration of Gert and Karin Wingårdh, is a unique fusion of east-meets-west. The house itself, a small structure, approximately 50 square meters, makes a big statement with its architectural language of simplicity and integration with the surrounding nature.The newly built structure r...See the full content of this document
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