Exhibition:Project24/8 LFA

As part of the London Festival of Architecture 2014, Helen Brough & Emmett Roepke will be holding an open day at their practice in Highgate, North London to celebrate the free spirit that is village life.

Focussing on their recent tree-house project nearing completion in Los Angeles-Project 24/8 will be showcasing technical drawings, photos and ¼ scale models that illustrate how state of the art materials and technology can exist side by side with nature; and that the concept of downtime can fuse effortlessly with the work environment when good design listens.

Here Emmett Roepke explains:

“This is a concept developed as a retreat space placed up into a large tree, which resides within the residential premises. The client was interested in having a personal space that could be used for meditation, work, partial living and entertaining. The criterion was, to supply a muted small tree dwelling that can adapt from an open-air natural day-lit theme to a closed dark quiet one. The space feature requirements include, a small Franklin Stove/Oven, flip down bed, retractable skylight, retractable windows, flip down seating, desk, shelves, drawers, compartments and 2-drop boxes. The exterior skin is composed of charred cedar and a baked wood finish on the interior”


In addition to the architecture, 24/8 will also be showing Helen Brough’s impressive large scale glass installations. With a reference to Oriental art and poetry- these delicate fired enamel drawings are illuminated with subtle LED lights, creating a gentle symbiosis between the old and modern order.

“The influences of Japanese and Chinese painting have had a dramatic impact on my work. Certain periods, such as the Southern Sung Dynasty (960 -1279), are particularly influential, because during this time, landscapes served as metaphors for the painter’s feelings, which became increasingly significant. The patterns and forms of rocks mixed with trees became concentrated areas of poetic expression, while painting and poetry were fused together as symbiotic expressions. My formula substitutes rocks with extremely modern, man-made structures that convey chaotic senses and emotions. Perhaps this sounds romantic, but I was drawn to this period for that reason”……Helen Brough.

Project 24/8 is welcome opportunity for students, professionals and the community to see the process and careful analysis behind good design for life and engage with the LFA.

The London Festival of Architecture (LFA), now in its 10th year, celebrates London as a global hub of architectural experimentation, practice and debate. Taking place throughout June, the annual festival provokes questions about the contemporary and future life of the city, and promotes positive change to its public realm. The city-wide programme is delivered by leading cultural and academic institutions alongside associated projects by practices and individuals.