MOOi Architecture
16 Hope Street Yard, Hope Street, Cambridge, CB1 3NA
MOOi (pronounced moy) is a Dutch word that means ‘beautiful’. Dutch architecture is renowned for being contemporary, forward-thinking and rooted in community, and these are some of the principles that underpin this leading Cambridge architecture practice.
Launched nine years ago, MOOi’s aim, says Founder Aidan Gutteridge, is to make good design accessible, and within that to create living spaces that are flexible, fit the needs of the people who are going to live in them, ensure the most efficient use of space, and at the same time are fun, dynamic, a bit quirky. What about a ‘broken plan’ space, for example, in which you can zone off a section if you work from home, but then open it up for your children or guests if you want to party?
Their principle of making architecture accessible means that MOOi’s services are broken down into different components to suit different budgets. You’ll get lots of initial advice and a feasibility study; MOOi want you to get a feel for what’s possible. They’ll be realistic with you, and you don’t have to fully commit to MOOi from conception to completion, some clients choose to sell their property with planning permission or manage the build on site themselves. And if it’s going to take some time, while you scope out your idea, find out whether it’s feasible and what it’s likely to cost, and then save up for it, that’s fine too. All they ask is that you’re open to the possibility of ending up with something extraordinary. Take a look at the Colour Pop House on their website, for example. It’s got a floating corner, bright blue kitchen and daffodil yellow utility. The corner of the extension that faces the garden is cantilevered so that when you slide back the doors, the space opens up completely. That’s a house that would make you feel proud for all sorts of reasons.
As Aidan says, living in a well-considered, naturally-lit environment has hugely positive impacts, mentally, physically and emotionally. MOOi is here to help you achieve that.
MOOi Project Photos in the gallery by Richard Fraser, Chris Snook and Matthew Smith