The sites we choose exemplify the small forest ideal because there are so many sacred spaces that live there. The forces that have acted on any site for as long as it has been in existence create a character that rises up after a brief encounter with people and exhibits itself to knowing eyes. These are the pervading spirits of the place - the genii locorum. These spaces have been here unobserved, untended, sometimes for centuries. Secret gardens? Any 20 acre forest we would look at has 2 or more possibilities; it really is remarkable. Our 20 acre sites have natural amphitheaters, trysting dells, glens, fens, vales and dales in an astonishing Permian Park. Our clients describe the site they want and we find it.
In an ancient conifer forest cluster water features are configured by flow evaluation. Rainwater falls on living roof, follows chains to rain barrels that overflow into rills flowing into gardens, water features, the lagoon and ultimately, the aquifer. From the time the first drop hits the water is on a visible journey. This is water you will be drinking. With biological and particle filters in place, you don't have to worry about the big event you cannot get rid of if you are gridlocked, hormones and medications (they cannot be removed from the water supply); the 3 stage rain cycle handles them easily.
We use biomimicry to power our passive systems, 'Pattern Language' formulations to guide our designs and the Living Building Challenge as a model. The Living Building hegemony is inspirational to any builder - it has 6 petals:
1) Generate energy with renewable, sustainable resources.
2) Use only water falling on site.
3) Be free of 'red list' toxic chemicals.
4) Be designed with an eye to beauty, suited to regional characteristics.
5) Maximize human access to fresh air and daylight.
6) Serve clients by using ergonomics as a prime design driver, revealing behavior of the elemental forces by active engagement through observable, dynamic systems. Using this model we create, using our own building and site wildcrafting techniques. Some of them are:
Choosing an appropriate site
Select a force-preferred location for footprint
Orientate footprint for best use of passive, active systems
Counting carbon from the first site visit
Select low carbon wildcrafting methods
No removing material off-site
Conforming to extant best land use guidelines
Forming complete passive systems to deal with multiple site forces
Using imagination and analysis to discover and expose site character
Projects are truly organic, based on force collaboration, ergonomics, practicality and a passion for biospheric interaction. Dwellings have servers that assure WiFi throughout, and interiors reflect modern IT lifestyles.
The moon and night sky are powerful agents for luminous allure and curiosity. A primal connection exists between sunlight, moonlight, night sky and design creation; people dwell in the rhythms of solar and lunar radiance, rejoicing in engagement.
Lighting is a very strong force, inside and outside. It can be used well with a positive effect, or not. We have multiple ways of collaborating with light that are very inventive and practical. Our sites have no light pollution, so the night sky is completely available. When light pollution is gone, human night vision occurs within 10 minutes; you will see things you would never see otherwise.
The Site
Portal
This is the site entry, chosen for its propensity and character. It keys the primal mind for protection and beauty. A remote gate provides videos and security. Lots of room for identification, access or return to main road.
Site Access Lane Lane
SAL connects all parts of the site, starting and ending at the portal, a permeable ribbon curving through the wildwood; her other duties include: Perimeter locations give the protection required for the critical force of fire. Parking for many vehicles, without unnecessary impact or visual pollution. Facilitates drainage physics for edible and permacultured landscape.
Clearwater Lagoon
Two waterfalls keep this lagoon airy and fresh, while a large sand beach provides a place for sun worshippers.
Infinity Trails
These ergonomic trails are designed for multiple activities. They can be used at night (motion sensor indirect lighting) and in the daytime. Forests harbor natural amphitheaters, trysting dells, copse pockets for hidden sanctuaries, glens, tors and dales - the trails touch them all.
The Grounds
Observing for night sky, woodland animal and bird activity, site phenomena, weather and crafted interactive forest delight and inspire intrepid viewers. Some available options are: Playground Live outdoor theatre Sports Courts Wildlife Observation Moat with Drawbridge Gardens Complex Cloud Bridge Through the Forest Canopy
The Structure
No Basement, No attic, No Downspouts
By eliminating certain line items, expensive opportunities for problems disappear. Rain force design is apparent everywhere in this project , giving it a solid set of design characteristics aimed solely at water. Rain water may be used for drinking and general use. Good site conformations will allow many options.
Force Driven Design
Form follows function follows force; among hundreds of forces, ergonomics is prime.
AquaPEX Domestic Supply Lines
Copper is wrong on so many levels.
Garage
Ample finished garage with complete workshop. Also has charging stations for electrical vehicles; hook up at night, drive off in the morning.
Porte Cochere
Formal protective cover for entrants, viewing deck for second floor, fabricated with huge vertical columns and glazed tiles.
Airlock Foyer
Capacious entry allows chi to accumulate, then flow inside as the door opens. Scented groups of flowers congregate outside the entry door and aromatic breezes follow you in. Plenty of space for guest coats, shoes and personal gear.
Heavy Timber Entry Door
Massive handcrafted door beckons, possessing qualities of welcome and denial. Large brass porthole provides passive observation.
Atrix (Atrium in the Matrix)
Open, wide and lofty, our Atrix, the heart and lungs of the dwelling, is an ocean of air and space. Citrus trees, fragrant flowers, fir trees, water features and a family of nesting songbirds inhabit this oasis. It is inexpensive square footage, being in the original matrix - the ceiling overhead is the only materials cost.
See the play of light, shadow and color as figures pass quietly through, accessing meeting pods or perimeter rooms. Feel content with strengthened earth energy, coalescing and diffusing in timeless cycles. Second story mezzanines overlook the Atrix and other areas, increasing open space and atmosphere.
Vaulted Galleries, Wide Halls, High Ceilings
Groined and coved, designed for expositions with wandering walls and purposeful lighting; lighting should always be a good thing.
Suites (Bedrooms) and No-touch Bathrooms
All bedrooms are unique and should be at least as accommodating as a good hotel room. Computer work stations are placed efficiently, with view windows to courtyard and garden. Ventilated dressing rooms are airy and comfortable. Complete bathrooms can be designed with no-touch capabilities, have water features, hot tubs, large showers and saunas. All rooms have fireplaces, decks and views. Master suites may be side by side; people are finding out it takes a room to lay out their own lives, but just theirs. All master suites have view towers for hot tubs; views can be 360.
Kitchen Network
Both inside and outside the dwelling, this is a masterful rendition of light commercial applications, perfectly adapted to single family requirements. The roasting or grilling of food should be vented to the outside, depending on personal preference. Our kitchens are designed to accommodate this situation. There is a REAL pantry, constantly cool on the north side footing wall, for food storage, rendering and preserving; a large sink makes it easy to clean and process garden foods. Thoughtful design is rarely used in the proper handling of recycle and refuse, yet it is a huge force when the systems are not set up properly. It is a force we devote much time and thought to, and is different for every family. Our kitchens have nooks, bars, and a WiFi area for coffee and tea. This area is well-lit by view windows and has a very comfortable feel to it. Actual kitchen work is done in an alcove with double sinks and a commercial dishwasher, invisible to non-working areas. Stoves and ovens are accessible to groups, inviting multiple players for cooking engagement. Our kitchens have a sense of practicality; there is an informal opening to the outside garden, creating easy admission for harvesting or walks. Kitchen congregants will find roomy freedom throughout.
Skyview: Rooftop Courtyard
This structurally capable event has multiple utility. Parties, gatherings or quiet times aloft, owners are surrounded by woodlands harboring animals and birds. Hanging gardens ring the perimeter, and night skies are enhanced by a rooftop observatory, fabricated on site, while pennants whip in errant breezes. A large turret, with 360 degree view windows, sits to one end of the roof. It is perfect for intimate soirees, games or solitude.
Other Important Rooms
Den, wine cellar, utility room, game room, office, workout gym, home theater, bars, library, infinity swimming pool, large areas for gatherings and events, virtual golf habitat and other possibilities.
Thank you for considering Moonshadow Ventures. We are setting new standards for single family dwellings, producing ergonomic models that will be templates for others in the paradigm shift to homes that make sense.