Architects Directory 2010: Owen and Vokes

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PROFILE

Following a career in some of Australia’s most successful practices as well as abroad, Paul Owen and Stuart Vokes established their joint practice in 2003. Looking at innovation as a result rather than a purpose in itself within the design process, the architects prefer to work with basic human needs, such as comfort, pleasure and a connection with nature. 'The practice favours appropriateness rather than dissonance, surprise and novelty,' they stress. Their approach is simple and responsive to the setting and historical context. 'Our practice works mostly in the context of Australian suburbia. Many of our projects involve additions and alteration to humble, tradesman-built cottages in garden-suburb settings. We take inspiration from work, both new and old, which we think is informed by correct and honest values and with a sense of craft.' Taking lessons from Palladio, Loos, Scarpa, Siza and Kahn, Owen and Vokes also admire 'the alcoves of Japanese Machiya houses, the window rooms of Kahn, Lutyens (and Voysey) and Mackintosh.'

Pompom Farmhouse

Owen and Vokes’ country house design is outlined by a series of masonry walls, which mark out the house’s territory. These walls, low tech and simple, create spaces for all the necessary uses, from living and resting, to gardening and outdoor living. The structure was planned to be light, modular and factory-constructed, but also fully informed by the landscape in terms of orientation and shape. Their concept uses and extends ideas arising from their research for a pre-fabricated house which they recently designed for the Brisbane-based company Happy Haus.

http://www.owenandvokes.com

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