Living Earth Garden Project Blog #23

Matysiak Pattern Language, Pattern 9-12

Site Repair

Buildings must always be built on these parts of the land which are in the worst condition, not the best. Consider the sites and its buildings as a single living ecosystem. Build new structures in those parts of the site which are least pleasant now.

Places that have been degraded in the past can be healed through geomancy. After their physical restoration is complete, these sites can be honored through the placement of shrines and altars, and their use restricted to ceremonial.

Couple’s Realm

The presence of children in a family often impedes the closeness and special privacy which a couple need together. Create a special part of the house distinct from the common areas and all the children’s rooms where the parents can be together in private. Give this place a quick path to the children’s rooms but, at all costs make it a private space.

This drawing symbolizes a comfortable nest for rest and relaxation. Bed alcoves use space much more efficiently than bed rooms. Children are nearby, but in their own distinct space.

Children’s Realm

If children do not have space to release a tremendous amount of energy when they need to, they will drive themselves and everybody else to distraction. By placing the small area which will belong entirely to the children, and separate from their beds. Place it in a separate position towards the back and in such a way that a continuous play space can be made from this cluster to the openness, reaching out and ending in an outdoor room, sheltered, and large enough so that children can play in it when it rains, yet still be outdoors.

This pattern provides children with a clear boundary between areas where access is permitted and those places that are off limits. Parents remain close enough to respond when necessary.

Farmhouse kitchen

The farmhouse kitchen is bigger than most, big enough to include the “family room” space and place it near the commons. Make it large enough to hold a big table and chairs, some soft and some hard. Make it a bright and comfortable room.

This pattern comprises 3 elements usually separated in conventional design: living room, dining room, and kitchen. This building is also the only one on site that does not rely solely on passive solar and thermal mass. An efficient woodstove provides for both cooking and space heating.