On-Site Learning at Villa Soham

The shift from architectural theory to built reality is the most critical hurdle for any student. At my studio, I treat teaching as an extension of my professional practice. Villa Soham, my recently completed holiday home, serves as an active case study for this purpose. I invite groups to move through the house not as tourists, but as critical observers.

We analyse the communion space, looking at how the floor plan facilitates large groups without feeling congested. We observe the light and shadow play on the veranda, discussing why a specific canopy angle was chosen to frame the landscape. This is where I push students to move beyond surface aesthetics. We discuss the structural honesty of raw materials and the climate-responsive design strategies that make the house breathe.

For academic institutions or independent students, these sessions are designed to deconstruct the design process. Whether it is a half-day jury, a focused portfolio audit, or a multi-day immersive workshop, the goal remains the same. I want to help you develop a unique design voice. You learn to articulate the 'why' behind your design, not just the 'how.' By engaging with real projects, you start to understand architecture as an alchemy of context and intention. If you are an educator looking for an external juror, or a student seeking to bridge the gap between studio sketches and construction, let's connect to discuss how we can structure a learning engagement that resonates with your academic goals.