Project 1 Part B :: Analysis

 For part B of the project, one of the previously researched exemplars must have been chosen for further research, analysis and representation.  The research of the chosen house was to be in the form of architectural drawings.  From these drawings students were to analyse the intent of the architect and while also keeping in mind the three main points; environmental filter, human activity and delight. 

As a minimum for the drawings, students were required to produce:

• Every floor plan within the house
• 1 key plan/ site plan showing the roof of the house
• 1 Exterior elevation
• 1 Critical Section
• 1 Three dimensional volumetric exterior representation or 1 three dimensional volumetric interior representation

The following is collection of drawings required as stated in the list above along with the analysis of these drawings and further research.

Detail Drawings :: Owen and Vokes - Newmarket House

Through the thorough exploration of the drawings provided by Owen and Vokes, it is clear that the main source of user appreciation stems from the sense of delight which is created through the close relationship the house has with the environment while still maintaining its primal function of being a container of human activity. 



Space Analysis



It is evident in the floor plan (with the analysed floor plan) that on entering the house, guests immediately gravitate towards the rear in a linear pattern through the narrow connecting space, past all the smaller clustered private and service spaces towards the focal point; an open area with large glass panels which allow light and air to enter.   Also evident in the floor plan is that this house is introverted as the most of the spaces within the house are positioned around the courtyard.  This encourages more interaction between family members and creates a stronger connection between the interior and exterior.  

It can also be derived from the floor plan that the courtyard is a very open area which may cause the house to lack privacy and separation from the neighbours.  However, as demonstrated in the site plan, there is plenty of vegetation surrounding the site which prevents the invasion of privacy

The north and south elevations reiterate the fact that the front of the house is where all the private spaces are and the back is where the most of the social human activity occurs

One of the main contributors to the sense of delight in the house is how the interior spaces flow seamlessly into the outdoor area.  Usually in other house designs, there is a small yet significant step down from the indoors into the yard for drainage and flooding prevention purposes but in the section the boundary between the interior and exterior are seen to be on the same level. 

References

• Owen and Vokes

Images used from Owen and Vokes: