Dwellings Standing for Centuries - without Compromise

Endurance Projects

Moonshadow Ventures builds multi-generational anthromes that are Pacific Northwest Dynastic; what we call Endurance Dwellings.

  • Deep green rural
  • Ergonomic and safety minded
  • Type IV heavy timber
  • ADA compliant
  • Completely viable and grid-free
  • Part of the neighborhood

Land Search

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of Earth are never alone or weary of life.

- Rachel Carson
  • We take time to locate properties that accommodate Endurance Dwellings.
  • To find land that promotes simple, atavistic farming rhythms while fitting well in a neighborhood with similar aspirations.
  • A place for dwellers to be stewards and curators bringing the forest and farm together with an ergonomic focus.

Each Endurance Dwelling is built using Green Building Goals. Dig deeper into what this means

Design

Ergonomics

A natural stress-free environment

We have studied ways and means of identifying the safest methods to insert ergonomics into the complete design program.

Safety is the one trait that is inherent in all we do. When we comb the habitat, we trim and remove any dangerous impediments to personal safety.

Applications of ergonomics are ADA compliant. Examples:

Inside
  • Cabinetry designed for logical physical applications: not too high, not too low denying kids and pets access
  • Using a base to elevate washer and dryer for optimum ergonomic service
  • Built-in surfaces for seating and standing
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Rooftop gardens
Outside
  • Gardens
  • Forest
  • Wine cellar
  • Trails
red leaves
property overview

Regenerative Architecture

A net positive impact on the environment

Endurance Dwellings are living buildings and part of the integrative process to connect to the environment, to have a dyadic relationship to habitats and ecosystems.

Sustainable techniques are used to maintain systems without degrading them. Regenerative techniques recognize how natural systems are currently impacted; then techniques to restore systems to improve productivity are applied. Moondance, the Endurance Dwelling prototype, uses elements of both techniques.

Universal Design

Usable environments used by as many people as possible

Architecture is really about well-being.

- Zaha Hadid

Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. The 7 principles used are:

  • Equitable use
  • Flexibility in use
  • Simple and intuitive use
  • Perceptible information
  • Tolerance for error
  • Low physical effort
  • Size and space for approach and use

Additionally, UD encompasses functional, social and emotional dimensions. There are 8 goals that tie to policy in the disability rights laws:

  • Body fit
  • Comfort
  • Awareness
  • Understanding
  • Wellness
  • Social integration
  • Personalization
  • Cultural appropriateness
red leaves
mushroom lights

Organic Architecture

Reflecting the symbiotic ordering systems of nature

Frank Lloyd Wright termed ‘organic architecture’ as the design of every element of a building from the windows to the chairs reflecting nature. In contrast to the geometric style representing functionalism, lines flow, undulate and curve.

David Pearson proposed a list of rules toward the design of organic architecture. Known as the “Gaia Charter” the rules are:

  • Be inspired by nature, and be sustainable, healthy, conserving and diverse.
  • Unfold, like an organism, from the seed within.
  • Exist in the “continuous present” and “begin again and again…”
  • Follow the flows and be flexible and adaptable.
  • Satisfy social, physical and spiritual needs.
  • “Grow out of the site” and be unique.
  • Celebrate the spirit of youth, play and surprise.
  • Express the rhythm of music and the power of dance.

Kinetics & Bistro-ism

Arranging interior landscapes to engage movement

We call our Endurance Dwelling interiors kinetic. Not because they move, but because they cause movement. All our designs are a celebration driven by our enthusiasm for human activities.

Focusing on environmental forces, functionality and safety, we came across European bistros. These models create traffic patterns that allow energy to flourish.

  • Traffic flows lead to exterior walls for doors to the outside and windows that reveal it
  • Surfaces for sitting must comply with various anatomical needs
  • Elevated surfaces have placement where dwellers can move easily, one to the other
  • Our kinetics format promotes a high energy interior field of movement and direction
hall schematic
hall schematic

Components

Creating an Endurance Dwelling

Moonshadow Ventures envisions many aspects for a multi-generational home that will serve the dwellers through the three stages of their entire life spans:

  • Beginning
  • Living
  • Passing

These dwellings are meant to last for centuries. 

See Components