United Kingdom

Revolutionary New House Design Walks on Water.

PureSilica's Self-Elevating Six-Sided Pyramid Passive House with AFDES (Automated Flood Defence Elevation System) enables homes to be built on flood plains or coastal areas without fear or trepidation.

Not only do the houses automatically raise clear of flood water but according to the designer, they meet and surpass the UK Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6. The standard to which it is hoped all new homes will be designed and constructed in the UK from 2016.

Continues:

It has taken Christopher James, described as an unusual combination of artist, architect and engineer, the best part of thirty years of continually swimming against the conventional tide to bring his concept to fruition. During which time he has been commissioned by some of the UK's wealthiest individuals.

Puresilica was established by Christopher in 2002 to create iconic Architecture that avoided what he described as ‘brutal design’:

He eulogizes that ‘there is nothing more beautiful than the female form, yet their soft subcutaneous tissue is for ever being bruised by sharp aggressive and unyielding everyday objects.’ 

This philosophy continues to resonate throughout his work.

Christopher insists that his Six Sided Pyramid Glass Pavilions are not house-boats. 

Despite their size and weight, in areas at risk of flooding they can be triggered to elevate automatically to a height in excess of 7ft/2m to clear rising flood water. Once the water has receded they automatically lower back to their original position, unscathed by what could otherwise have destroyed traditional buildings. 

As the water rises or recedes the building will rise and fall accordingly.

Although depicted in the in a woodland setting, the design lends itself to virtually any environment including 'urban' with the appropriate choice of materials.

The Pyramide du Louvre, which sits at the center of the Louvre's plaza in Paris is an excellent example of how the simplicity and modernity of a glass Pyramid compliments, not detracts from the surrounding ornate urban architecture.

Inspired by the proportions of the Great Pyramids of Giza, Mies van der Rohe’s German Pavilion, Philip Johnson's 1949 Glasshouse and the 20th century architect Le Corbusier's mantra of; 'soleil, espace, venture' (Sun, light and greenery), Christopher individually designs and builds his inspirational homes exclusively for an enlightened and adventurous clientele.