Gentle Density and Compact Interiors

Its a back alley "suite" that feels cozy and almost luxurious. It rides a fine line between a cardboard castle and nature-based spa. It is so dynamic... And so sustainable?

I think that if the North American relationships with streets wasn't so focused on cars, we could probably have more buildings that are designed like this. Instead everything is designed with the expectation of setbacks and parking lots.

We drive everywhere we go.

We don't interact with storefronts and neighbors the same way urban designs have in historic developments. Our property / homes are really a valued asset where we keep the things that we own and ourselves, safe from the outside world.

However, there is a concept that the urban design world calls "incidental interactions". It's the idea that our neighborhoods should support active common areas for commerce, recreation, or socialization. Simply because it is naturally good for us as social creatures.

I find it to be nice to speak to strangers in a safe and common environment, sometimes even valuable. A strange idea these days if you aren't behind an online alias.

But studies suggest that there is a massive drop in occurrences of "incidental interactions" in most American cities. However, maybe if we designed our streetscape in an inviting way, neighbors would end up not being strangers.

Poplar Grove / BLDUS

Gentle Density

This project is another good example of a building that is designed to bring on density in a gradual and non-disruptive way.

It tucks itself onto a tiny lot and puts almost the entire area to use as a building footprint. This "zero-lot-line" design feels like the type of compact home you'd find in Japan. But the project was brought to life in North America, amongst detailed zoning regulations and picky neighbors.

This is why it is a great representation of "Gentle Density". It managed to fit into its surroundings, despite regulatory hurdles. Good design can be done, despite NIMBY energy.

Overall, its got a visibly thoughtful design. "Showcasing innovative natural materials while providing privacy and air to its inhabitants, Poplar Grove tries to be as considerate to its neighbors as it is to its residents."

Interior Lighting

With the skylights above a central staircase, this entire home is lit up naturally through the core of the building. The staircase and the mesh lounge allow for light to pour through the structure, and into the rest of the home during the day.

The architect uses this illumination further with small tricks like in the photos above, where an interior window allows daylight to penetrate more private spaces, without giving up the required privacy.

The artificial lighting is also placed in ways that highlight design features, but the fixtures are discrete. The photo above on the right shows lighting tucked away into the structural joists, while other uses have underlit countertops, or embeds in the ceiling.

The lighting features enhance each of the different ambiances.

Interior Design for compact buildings

With a compact site design, the space requires a simple and easy flow from room to room. This Poplar Grove suite seems to divide the different spaces effectively, with design elements that break up the buildings privacy zones with vertical separations, or semi-permanent interior walls. (a.k.a. Mesh panels)

This flow is also supported by their choice in consistent/cohesive materials. A thoughtful mix of wood, stone and metal is used throughout. It helps accent elements like the structure, which serves a modern and charming look. While other elements like the stone floors give context between the separate spaces.

Hollow-wall bamboo panel system stuffed with sheep wool. Black locust eaves extend far beyond the facade to minimize uneven and unnecessary weathering of the cladding.

Additionally, the siding system uses natural patterns which gives it the previously noted "nature-based" vibe. And considering the cultural popularity of a "natural" look nowadays, you'd think it was just a trend.

However, biogenic materials, or biogenic designs, are know for "reducing stress and enhancing relaxation through the integration of natural elements into our surroundings."

Furthermore, this is another example of a previously mentioned topic, biophilia. Meaning "love of life" or "love of living things,". The concept that humans have an innate affinity for nature and other living things. -Merriam Webster

https://www.studiojay.ca/post/embanked-designs-or-earth-sheltered-homes

https://www.studiojay.ca/post/food-production-at-home

IN SUMMARY ... Gentle density, incidental interactions with our neighborhood, cohesive designs, and material choices that make us feel good. To me this is what makes Poplar Grove a project that demonstrates sustainable design.