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Architects Directory 2009

 

Reigo & Bauer

Canada

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

Architectural partners and husband and wife Merike and Stephen Bauer founded their studio in 2005, following studies at the University of Toronto and a spell working in the UK. Combining practice with academic pursuits, Reigo & Bauer are regulars on the Canadian lecture circuit; when they're not working they're spending time with their six month old son.

'We want to bring exciting contemporary design to the mass market,' say the duo, 'inventive, beautiful form should be available to everyone and for any budget.' Describing their approach as achieving 'hi-tech results through low-tech means', Reigo & Bauer's work is energy efficient, respectful of scale and naturally suspicious of both modernist clichés and 'deadening uniformity'.

THE HOUSE

The architects describe their concept design, Spec House 03, as being 'exciting yet approachable.' With a nod to vernacular form, the asymmetric roof is punctured by notched slots revealing external decks, contained within the superstructure. Designed to be built using a standard wooden frame, Spec House 03 brings 'architectural intrigue without adding to the cost of construction.' Standard finishes, fixtures and details are combined with bespoke elements like glazing and solar heated hot water to keep costs down, while the slots bring daylight into the heart of the house.

THE FUTURE

In the future, the studio expects to expand their experience of small scale developing, as well as working more with private clients. 'In North America fewer than 10% of the houses being built involve an architect. We hope to nudge that number up one house at a time.'

www.reigoandbauer.com