1. These three houses are interesting both for their commonalities and their differences.
2. One thing the houses have in common is relevance to the theory of energy conservation and sustainability, developed by the British geographer Jay Appleton.
3. The first of the three Olson houses was designed in the early 1960s.
4. It bursts cheerfully from the landscape instead of hunkering into it.
5. Cantilevered over the hillside, the house is pointed directly at the mountain and is flanked by a lake.
6. The second house in project architect Tom Kundig’s words “celebrates light”.
7. The differences between the first, rather “mechanic” house, and the second, more rustic building, reflect how time, tastes, and Olson’s ideas changed in the interim.
8. The third and the second houses are very much alike in character.
9. Once densely wooded, the site of the third house was cleared for development that never occurred.
10. When Olson saw the site he liked it at once.
11. The images the client responded to when making collages were of imposing houses attracting everyone’s attention immediately.
12. The living room, in the architects’ point of view, should be a seemingly open pavilion facing the lake view.
13. The client wanted simplicity.
14. The architects were surprised to have their favourite devices rejected.
15. The architects and the client collaborated to make the house still more naturalistic.
16. Olson sees the most basic kind of conservation as the use of recycled and recyclable materials.
7. What is not mentioned in the text?
1. The theory of refuge and prospect.
2. The necessity to be environmentally aware.
3. The idea of returning to our roots.
4. The idea of sustainability.
5. The economic benefits of building to last.
8. What do you think:
1. Which of the three houses described in the article do you like most? Can you explain your choice?
2. Do you prefer simplicity and blending with nature or an imposing style striking the people’s eye?
3. What is your opinion of Jim Olson’s architectural ideas and his credo?
4. Can you work out your own credo that will guide you in your future professional work?
5. Do you know any examples of houses with some interesting building techniques in our country?
6. Can you explain the title of the text?
7. Which principles of sustainable architecture have been implemented by Jim Olson in building his houses?