A badass house is not cute, it's cozy.
It is not pretty, it is poetic.
It is not trendy, it is of its time.
It is not quaint, it is humane.
A badass house turns problems into opportunities.
A badass house makes you say:
“Wow, am I glad I built this!”
A badass house makes your friends say:
“Wow, you got this just right!”
If you have the time, money, and ambition to build your dream house, why not build a badass house!?
Here are six 30mins talks, each followed by Q&A sessions, that give insight into what it means to design, build, and live like a badass.
Badass Houses Webinar
What people say about the series:
“The talks are fantastic, we need more of this. Loved your drawings and enjoyed the conversation.” - Monica, Johannesburg
“Fantastic! Love the message of acknowledging and connecting to the environment – also for non-architects!” - Susanne, Munich
“Thorsten is a wonderful communicator and storyteller of the secret lives of buildings & cities and the creative processes that make them happen. Like a Carl Sagan of Architecture, Thorsten seeks to unveil the beauty of the built cosmos with drawing, illustrations, stories, and lectures. This series is stellar!” - Rion Willard, London
"I watched the entire badass house series, some a few times over! It was awesome and really changed my thinking on many levels. I must say I wish there was more content like that out there, it's our fav." Stewart, Johannesburg
“It's easy to get caught up in pure pragmatism in the day to day of architecture. This webinar was fresh inspiration for my design thinking! Well put together, Thorsten!” Roger, Durban
If you’re an architect in need of CDP points, the series is also available as a paid-for accredited course, which will earn you one full Category 1 point!
Access the CPD Course
Episode # 1 ‘Intro to Badass Houses’
To understand badass, we turn to mid-century Californian architect John Lautner. In this episode, we'll explore the seven strategies he used to create fantastical, human-centered spaces.
Episode # 2 ‘Responding to Site’
Why do some houses just feel right and others don’t? One of the main reasons is how a house responds to its site. Join Thorsten to look at case studies from around the world and some behind-the-scenes adventures from 20+ years of practice.
Episode # 3 ‘Going Green’
A truly badass house is much more than off the grid! In this episode, Thorsten presents historic and modern examples that use resources in astute and spectacular ways. With expert guests: Kenneth Allan and Josebus van Zyl from Greenplan and landscape designer Vanessa Davies.
Episode # 4 ‘Inside the Cave’
'Good light' is a common request from house clients, but lighting, both natural and artificial, is often misunderstood. In this episode, we'll unravel the complexities of lighting with the help of lighting designer and consultant August de Wet.
Episode # 5 Art and Architecture
No house is complete without the personal touch of its inhabitants. Your art collection can personalize your home, become a valuable asset, and provide daily enjoyment. Join us, along with an independent curator and art advisor, to learn how to create spaces for art and grow a collection that yields cultural and financial returns.
Episode # 6 Building the Dream
WARNING: This episode may seem boring, but it's essential if you're serious about avoiding building disasters. In this episode, you'll discover why many building projects go off track and how to prevent it. Our guest, Nick Lockett, partner at Billet Construction, who has managed over 100 builds, including many unique houses, will share valuable insights.