I chose the name Elemental Architecture for three and a half reasons.

First, I feel a home is a powerful, primitive need. Your home fulfills that primal craving for shelter and safety, for sanctuary. Architecture at its best is elegant, simple, and timeless. Elemental in many ways.

Second, architecture should work with and enhance the positive aspects of the natural elements. A home lets the sun in, keeps the rain out, lets a cool summer breeze through, and blocks the winter winds. It’s tied to the earth, often built from timber, earth, and stone. In the ancient practice of Vastu Shastra (similar to Feng Shui) a building that is built according to the ancient principles is considered alive. I love that concept. To me, a well built home is a living entity that works in harmony with the elements.

Third, I am currently exploring a deeper study of Feng Shui, which I incorporate in my designs and plan to be able to share as one of my professional services soon. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice used to bring harmony between people and the spaces they inhabit. Whether or not you believe in the more mystical side of Feng Shui, I find that the principles are a collection of observations made over thousands of years of watching humans interact with their environments. Good architectural spaces have a certain balance and flow, and Feng shui uses the language of the five elements (among other tools) to discuss how to find that balance and flow. The image above depicts the five Feng Shui elements and their cycle of growth and balance. I’ll explore the Feng Shui elements with you in greater depth in future articles.

And the last half reason? Well, I have a great love of fantasy fiction and I just couldn’t resist the reference to mythical beings!