Living Architecture is open for bookings

Peter Zumthor, A Secular Retreat - kitchen and studio. Courtesy Peter Zumthor and Living Architecture

What would it be like to sleep in a house designed by an outstanding contemporary architect? In an attempt to enhance the appreciation of architecture, Living Architecture has invited a series of world-class architects to create houses around the UK that are available for short rents.

The schedule for completion of the houses is as follows and bookings can now be made on the Living Architecture website www.living-architecture.co.uk:

MVRDV, The Balancing Barn. Courtesy MVRDV and Living Architecture

• The Balancing Barn in Thorington, Suffolk, designed by MVRDV (the Netherlands). Available to rent from 22 October 2010.
• The Shingle House in Dungeness, Kent, designed by Nord Architecture (UK). Available to rent from 29 October 2010.
• The Dune House in Thorpeness, Suffolk, designed by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects (Norway). Available to rent from 21 January 2011.
• The Long House in Cockthorpe, Norfolk, designed by Hopkins Architects (UK). Due to complete March 2011.
• A Secular Retreat in South Devon, designed by Peter Zumthor (Switzerland). Due to complete Winter 2011.

Hopkins Architects, the Long House. Courtesy Hopkins Architects and Living Architecture

The aim is to continue the project by building one house a year into the future.

Alain de Botton is the creative director for Living Architecture. He had the idea for the project while writing The Architecture of Happiness about how the quality of our environment can impact on our happiness.

The Shingle House, Nord Architecture. Courtesy Nord Architecture and Living Architecture

de Botton drew up a team of experts and advisers to run the project, including Living Architecture Director Mark Robinson, who was responsible for project managing the Serpentine Pavilions, and project Chairman Dickon Robinson, ex-CABE commissioner and former Director of Development at the Peabody Trust and Operations Manager Richard Day, who was previously Head of Holidays at the National Trust.

JVA, The In-Between House. Courtesy of Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects and Living Architecture

Living Architecture has won first prize in the Leisure category of the Condé Nast Traveller Innovation and Design Awards 2010.

The Living Architecture blog informs on the progress of the houses: www.livingarchitectureblog.com.

Further Information:
web: www.living-architecture.co.uk