ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses projects that explored the relationship of modernity with its natural surroundings, especially in terms of the building’s integration to the land’s contour. This particular aspect of the building’s conception significantly changed during modernity as a result of advancements in building materials and construction methods. The negation of architecture’s relationship with its context, be it natural or man-made, as a way of universally resolving it proved in the long term to be unrealistic, even dystopic. The glazed envelope allows little margin for the appropriation of space by its inhabitant, and provides little indication as to the building’s function, geographical context or the tastes of the owner, eventually also inadequately responding to climatic conditions. Still, Villa Stousland focuses on a close connection with its green surroundings and the landscape of woods, blending well with it through the rhythm of the wooden boards of its envelope, remaining apparent under their white finish.
