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Delivering custom, environmentally sensitive homes across the globe since 2005, we have successfully executed both new builds and refurbishments in Europe and the Americas. We take a holistic approach to new builds with environmental factors being of paramount importance. As well as undertaking the design we assist in the selection of potential plots and from there the exact location and orientation. We find an architect of record on the local territory with whom we work hand-in-hand to deliver your project.

We have undertaken what would be considered the usual and also the unusual; projects ranging from refurbishments to new builds; five storey homes to bungalows; underground cabins to treehouses.

Fundamental considerations on selecting both the positioning and orientation of your home include solar positioning, topographical as well as geothermal opportunities, water access, sight lines, and prevailing winds. If fortunate enough to be in a position to satisfy these criteria then living off the grid can be easy, low maintenance, and immensely satisfying. In order to reconnect with nature and live alongside it one does not need to compromise on comfort nor aesthetics. Design is not simply attending to the aesthetic – form following function elevates design to an engineering tool enabling the facilitation of a sustainable off-grid life.

Light is paramount in determining our designs. Both the control and manipulation of natural light as well as the concealment of luminaires impact the envelope: fenestration, roof lines and also material selection often differing based on global location. Luminaires are more often than not custom for each project with the fabric of the fit-out becoming the medium for lighting. We fully endorse Corbusier’s quote of light being the fourth dimension of architecture.

Passive air-conditioning through the use of dedicated ventilation apertures rather than relying on fenestration frees up windows as key design elements. Combined with a green ‘living’ roof both cooling and heating can be dealt with. Green roofs also benefit nature and save on maintenance needing nothing more than a trim each autumn. They can also act as filtration beds for rainwater harvesting. Solar systems and satellite communications links allow remote living as well as working. Essentially the only obstacle to living remotely is the conditioned culture which has only been prevalent for a century or so. If you’ve dreamed of a life out of the wheel then all you need is a plot and our assistance.

We relish small as well as large scale projects as long as opportunities for innovation are present and the accepted norms can be tested. Budget and timescale are defined by the project scope, which in turn is determined your ambitions with past projects ranging from GBP£4’000 up to USD$22’000’000. We do not charge a percentage of build cost nor do we take any commission from material suppliers so you can rest assured that all specifications are made solely with the final project and clients as beneficiaries.

To discuss your vision please contact us for a consultation…

max@kragdesign.com

Europe: 44.(0)7763 809 290

Americas: 1.416 708 1221

Testimonials

  • Seriously hardcore ‘old school’…he does everything instinctively and won’t be drawn in to CGIs..quite rightly he pushed us in to a mock-up so we could see exactly what we were getting. Mood boards and renders are nothing compared to a real prototype which cost no more to produce – counter-intuitive genius! Go with it.” 

    Miles Butterworth | GrafikBuro, Switzerland

    “Love the house; love the lighting.  Amazing”  

    Bernie Ecclestone, | F1 Director, Global

    “We have completed a few projects in Spain with Max. He has a refreshingly direct and unpretentious approach. He understands what we want, knows how to achieve it, and hassles everyone to make it happen. He always seem to take us in a direction we had not thought of; light is so difficult to envisage, and if we cannot always understand the proposal, they smile and assure us it will be fine…and it always is. They are reassuring and a pleasure to work with”

    Miguel Arenas | Estudio Arenas, Mallorca, Spain

    “Working in the film industry I fully appreciate the reliance on light as a visual medium – I think of Max as Stanley Kubrick; he is original in concept, groundbreaking in application and uncompromising in direction…the go-to practice if you have a tough, challenging brief”

    Simon Emanuel | Producer & Director – Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Batman

    “We are always very happy with the work you and your team undertake for us. We would not keep coming back if it were not the case. We greatly appreciate the level of service and professionalism in making sure everything works as intended”

     MD | Krimson Developments Limited, Greece

    “A pleasure to work with Max.  Without understanding  the technical aspects being proposed it was a bit of a blind faith – in the past we got a list of products but this house has no visible lights so it was a pleasant surprise to see the finished results.  They even set out projected supply costs so we had a handle on budgets which was super useful ” 

    Paul Zogala | Emerson Consulting, Canada