216. Exploring Architecture and Zen with Polly Horne in Johnson City

About the Guest:

Polly Horne is a licensed architect and owner of PolyArch Architecture and Design. Boasting an impressive educational background with an architecture degree from the University of Tennessee, Polly's career has spanned various locations, including Knoxville, New York, and now Johnson City. Her experience includes working with renowned firms and craftsmen, focusing on high-end residential projects and expanding into affordable housing. Polly moved back to Tennessee in 2022, drawn by her love for the mountains, where she continues to weave her architectural expertise with a commitment to sustainability and community resilience.

Episode Summary:

Join host Colin Johnson as he delves into the intricacies of architecture and community resilience with Polly Horne in this captivating episode of his podcast. Polly, architect and founder of PolyArch Architecture and Design, shares her journey from Tennessee to New York City and back, painting a vivid picture of her experiences and the evolution of her career. This conversation broadens horizons on adaptive reuse, sustainable architecture, and the challenges of rebuilding communities post-disaster, especially focusing on the impact of recent floods in the area.

Polly discusses her architectural philosophy, which includes not only creating aesthetically pleasing spaces but also emphasizing energy efficiency through the Passive House standard. As a passionate advocate for community building, she shares insights into her efforts through Studio Hum, a shared space fostering art, meditation, and architectural practices. Polly further elaborates on her involvement with the Regional Resilience Subcommittee, aimed at improving the community's ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how architectural practices can harmonize with environmental stewardship and community resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Polly Horne blends her architectural skills with sustainability, focusing on energy-efficient design using the Passive House principles.
• PolyArch Architecture collaborates on diverse projects, from high-end residences to community-enhancing endeavors like new spa constructions and lakeside homes.
• Polly's community-focused vision includes Studio Hum, a space nurturing Zen meditation, art, and architecture.
• Through her involvement with the American Institute of Architects' Regional Resilience Subcommittee, Polly is committed to advancing the community’s response and recovery to future climate-related challenges.
• The conversation emphasizes the power of mindful design in creating spaces that respect both client desires and the natural environment.

Notable Quotes:

• "My focus really is high-end residential, but also that has been expanding into, you know, middle and lower income affordable housing as well."
• "A house doesn't have to look like that. You know, like, there's so many possibilities that you're just not seeing."
• "By doing it one house at a time," Polly explains how she plans to change the architectural landscape.
• "Passive House standard… ensures that the building is functioning as efficiently as possible."
• "I'm listening to you, the client, and trying to respond in a sensitive way to give you the best design possible."

Resources:

• Polly Horne: https://www.polyarch.studio/
• Studio Hum: studiohum.org

For a more in-depth exploration of these themes and insights, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more enlightening discussions from the podcast series.