The Greenprint: Organic Architecture as a Model for Residential Living

dc.contributor.authorRehrig, Michael Scotten
dc.contributor.committeechairWheeler, Joseph H.en
dc.contributor.committeememberDugas, Daviden
dc.contributor.committeememberJones, James R.en
dc.contributor.departmentArchitectureen
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-11T08:01:53Zen
dc.date.available2025-06-11T08:01:53Zen
dc.date.issued2025-06-10en
dc.description.abstractThis Master of Architecture thesis by Michael Rehrig explores organic architecture as a design methodology grounded in response to site, response to material, and quality of space with a focus on a proposed residential site in Blacksburg, Virginia. "Planted" within the landscape amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains, the dwelling space engages with the region's topography, climate, and vegetation, fostering a natural interrelationship between structure and landscape. Local materials such as timber and stone are celebrated for their natural and structural properties, guiding both construction logic and aesthetic expression. The dwelling space prioritizes the quality of space through the display of scenic landscapes, acoustics, and everyday movement, creating natural dwelling spaces that evolve with seasonal and daily rhythms. By embedding the architecture within its surroundings—both physically and conceptually—the thesis argues for a design ideology that minimizes environmental disruption while enhancing human experience through natural landscape. The resulting work is a study in how architecture can be defined by landscape, emerging from the land, informed by nature, and contributing meaningfully to its cultural and ecological setting.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralThis thesis by Michael Rehrig explores how architecture can work in harmony with nature to create meaningful, livable spaces. Centered on a proposed home design in Blacksburg, Virginia, the project investigates how a dwelling can be thoughtfully "planted" into the landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rather than reshaping or removing the natural environment, the design embraces the topography, vegetation, and seasonal rhythms of the region. The house becomes part of the landscape, with every decision—from layout to material choice—reflecting a deep sensitivity to place. Local materials like timber and stone are chosen not only for their availability and structural qualities, but also for their visual and tactile connection to the site. These materials inform how the house is built and how it feels to inhabit, helping to create a structure that looks and ages naturally over time. Inside, the design prioritizes comfort and well-being through an emphasis on light, sound, views, and movement. Rooms are arranged to frame the changing scenery, catch the sounds of birds and breeze, and support a fluid daily routine. More than just a study in form, this work is a proposal for a way of thinking about architecture. One that values the land, respects its limits, and enhances our connection to it. Rather than imposing itself, the home grows from its environment, becoming a part of its ecological and cultural story. In doing so, the project makes a case for organic architecture as both a design method and a mindset that can guide how we build homes that are beautiful, sustainable, and deeply rooted in place.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Architectureen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:44254en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10919/135463en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectArchitectureen
dc.subjectGreenen
dc.subjectLandscapeen
dc.subjectLocalen
dc.subjectMaterialen
dc.subjectNativeen
dc.subjectNatureen
dc.subjectOrganicen
dc.subjectResidentialen
dc.subjectResponseen
dc.subjectSiteen
dc.subjectSpaceen
dc.subjectWellnessen
dc.titleThe Greenprint: Organic Architecture as a Model for Residential Livingen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineArchitectureen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Architectureen

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