john pawson living architecture
providing the opportunity to holiday in residences designed exclusively by acclaimed architects and designers, living architecture is an ongoing program that aims to promote, educate, and influence discussion about modern architecture in the UK. the most recent residence is the john pawson-designed ‘life house’, which is buried in the hills in tŷ bywyd, wales. the cascading scheme unfolds as a place of calm and solace, with a generous living area, large bathrooms, bedrooms and common areas that allow for both complete privacy and, when desired, sociability and communion.

john pawson living architecture
the house’s program is arranged as a series of self-contained folds, opening off two corridors
all images © gilbert mccarragher

 

 

 

‘from the beginning, the thinking behind the life house was an uncompromisingly modern design where it would be possible to inhabit a different sort of architectural space,’ explains john pawson. ‘experiments with massing and orientation have produced a composition that is bedded into the fall of the land.’

john pawson living architecture
the music bedroom contains a sound system with a curated selection of transcendent and calming music

 

 

 

the exterior of the building is constructed from black danish handmade bricks, allowing the structure to unobtrusively occupy the landscape. accommodating up to six people, the polished terrazzo floors and the light timber ceilings combine to create a bright and tranquil ambiance.

john pawson living architecture
the corridors are planned as key architectural experiences, each charged with its own distinctive character

 

 

 

continuing with the idea of serenity and restoration, there is a a bathing bedroom which allows guests to lie back and enjoy views onto the welsh valley. one of the bedrooms is integrated with a suitably generous music system and a carefully curated selection of transcendent and calming music from all ages and genres.

john pawson living architecture
the bedroom instills a sense of serenity and contemplation

john pawson living architecture
the design, which sleeps up to six people, is based upon the concept of a retreat

john pawson living architecture
the bathroom features a cylindrical sink

john pawson living architecture
the bathing bedroom provides a room-based bathing platform

john pawson living architecture
the polished terrazzo floor, set against the white brick, and light timber ceilings, creates a peaceful and life calming space

john pawson living architecture
the scheme is constructed of danish handmade bricks; black for the exterior and white for the interior

john pawson living architecture
pawson’s residence is set in mid wales, near the small town of llanbister, amidst a landscape of rolling hills