Veld Architects is incredibly proud to be a finalist in this year’s World Architect Festival (WAF) awards at the International Fair of Lisbon (FIL) from the 30th of November. The Festival is the largest global get-together for architects and apart from the live-judged awards program, there are also multiple seminars and networking events to attend. We are literally counting off the days, and we are truly humbled to be recognised for this honour.
You may wonder what it takes to become a finalist of such a prestigious award…The answer is months and months of research, planning, drawing, creative mojo, vision, pure determination, consistency and above all else: elbow grease.
After two decades in the industry, we are convinced that good architecture requires three key components: meaningful design, appreciation of the arts, and architecture with a conscience. There is no “I” in team, just like “no man is an island”. Architects need to draw on the skills of artists and artisans, quality surveyors, landscapers, builders, and other experts to take our concept from “paper” to completion. And we need to do so with the health of the environment, occupants and communities in mind.
Meaningful design
Where would any architect be without the client? We are blessed with clients that share our vision to not only build for the sake of having a roof over one’s head, but to build with purpose. In doing so, a home becomes a haven that heal. “Spirit of place” (genius loci) can be unlocked in your very home and not just in the streets of Rome.
Appreciation of the arts
A VELD home is never just the product of the blood, sweat and tears of our design studio but also that of multiple other role players. Collaborating with artists, artisans and crafters is something we intentionally seek out in each of our projects. However, this particular home allowed us to include more than 10 collaborators, each of which helped boost the individuality and sheer loveliness of this home.
Architecture with a conscience
With the building and related industries leading the way in carbon emissions, it is necessary to change the way we build. And this starts with architecture with a conscience. Innovative and advanced building technologies like the rammed earth walls we used in this project, together with hempcrete blocks, recycled plastic bricks, and the use of other natural materials like cork, clay, straw etc. needs to propel the industry ahead. Renewable energy is of course a must in a VELD home.
Wish us luck!
Thank you to each and every person who has played a role in Veld Architect’s journey to this point in time: we salute you.
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Love,
XXX
Gill
