Task Outline

'Firmness, Commodity, and Delight':: the ultimate synthesis.

This project aims to establish a understanding that architectural design is informed through the availability and analysis of exemplary knowledge.  It is assumed that influences established through the consumption of theoretical and historical literature, and the subsequent practice of precedent selection, is essential to the ongoing study of architecture. 

Three aspects will be used in the project to help underpin the understanding of architectural excellence:

• A house is an environmental filter
• A house is a container of human activities
• A house is a delightful experience

Project 1 also includes observation and analysis exercises, contributing and leading to an integrated design of a cabin for an architect. 

This project is run from Weeks 1 to 5, and is broken down into 3 specific and assessable components:

• Project 1 Part A :: Archetype :: Archetype Research
• Project 1 Part B :: Analysis :: Analysis of Architetype
• Project 1 Part C :: Application :: Application o Analysis

Each will be presented in the following blog

Project 1 Part A :: Archetype

A list of Exemplar Buildings were selected and presented to the students for research, analysis and representation in week 1.  Each student was to choose three of the exemplar buildings; 1 from the International Building List, and two from the Australian Exemplar Building List.

Aspects of the particular exemplar to be researched were:

• A house is an environmental filter
• A house is a container of human activities
• A house is a delightful experience

The three buildings that were chosen are as follows:

• (International) :: Kengo Kuma & Associates - Bamboo Wall House, Shuiguan (Badaling, China) 2002
• (Australian) :: M3 Architecture - Armstrong Residence, Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) 2002
• (Australian) :: Owen and Vokes - Newmarket House, Newmarket (Queensland, Australia) 2004

Kengo Kuma - Bamboo Wall House

"The work of Kengo Kuma is one of modulation: of light and shadow, of physical response to materials, of flexibility and specific reactions to specific sites." (Brown 2004) This is fully demonstrated in the Bamboo Wall house which was completed in 2002 and is situated in Shuiguan, Badaling, China.  In this house, Kengo Kuma has successfully fulfilled "the idea of integration, of fusing of architecture and land." (Oddo 2002). Inspired by the Great Wall of China, he has designed this house to conform to the undulated ground at its base. As a result, the Bamboo Wall House is environmentally filtered as it is laid out in "several gently dispersed, open levels that abstract the verticality of the existing landscape" (Brown 2004).  In addition, the house was built with natural elements including bamboo and rice paper, thereby linking the structure to the site.



Figure 1 - Interior view of the Bamboo Wall House

 

The architect also creates a delightful and mediative atmosphere within the design through the use of bamboo walls which meander through the house, allowing light to filter through along with wind.  Due to the sparsely positioned bamboo sticks, it is also possible to see through to the beautiful exterior landscape as demonstrated in Figure 1.  The bamboo slats are very versatile in relation to human activity within the house as it separates zones and partitions space so that areas are "more protected in some parts and open in others" (Oddo 2002). 

M3 Architecture - Armstrong Residence

The work of M3 Architecture can be described as having a developed a "social and cultural agenda and is site driven approach" (Taylor 2008) as shown in the design of the Armstrong Residence.  This house is set on a steep, south facing slope and had very limited access to the sun.  However, despite these obstacles, the architects were able to transform the house into an environmental filter where certain aspects helped climatise the design.  For example, the deck area "is a remote structure which intercepts the winter sun" (Taylor 2008).  To maintain a cool temperature in summer, the architects drew inspiration from subtropical design as demonstrated in Figure three.  This design used "over hanging monopitch roofs" (Taylor 2008) and open timber screens which shaded windows while also allowing ventilation which prevented the entrapment of heat.  



Figure 2 - Overhanging monopitched Roofs



The Armstrong Residence includes a reflective glass pavilion which exists beyond the main house as shown in Figure 3.  While clearly identifying the new from the old, it is also a seamless integration into its surroundings as the reflective service "mimics the immediate forest landscape" (Taylor 2008).  This creates a sense of delight as the perception of the landscape is multiplied, thereby preserving "the feeling of an open under croft, (World Architecture News 2008)   keeping the visitors close to nature. 

Figure 3 - Use of reflective materials

The human activity in this house is determined by the needs of the client.  As a matured family, it was important that the design embodied elements for "the co-existence of 4 adults on the cusp of diminishing" (World Architecture News 2008).  As a result, two client groups were established; father daughter; mother daughter.  This was so that the rooms would be easily transformed when they were to be eventually vacated. 



Owen and Vokes - Newmarket House

The development of the suburban backyard has grown from being a space to store utility objects to being integrated as a main part in domestic life.  The extension of the Newmarket House designed by Owen and Vokes Architects is a prime example of the modern interpretation of a backyard.  In this 1940s art deco house, the architects were able use simplistic design to create "a picturesque composition" (Owen and Vokes 2010) while also integrating environmental aspects.  Although this house is not designed like the typical Queenslander it still attains the attributes of passive design; it allows natural light and ventilation into the house.  This was achieved through the architects' idea to "eroded [the walls] where necessary for climatic tuning" (Johnson 2006).  The material and the placement of the walls both contribute to the feeling of purity and delight in the house as evident in Figure 4.  In addition, the combination of the raw concrete floor of the interior space and the blindingly white walls of the exterior space plays with the spatial aspect of the design, thereby accentuating the feeling of a basic shelter like a cave, looking out onto an amplified landscape.   

Figure 4 - The erosion of walls



When entering the house, it is obvious that most of "the magnetic space is at the rear of the dwelling" (Moulis 2005) due to the large open space.  The indistinct boundary between the interior and exterior spaces also encourages the usage and interaction in the outdoor space (Figure 5) as it focuses on a garden room which can also be described as "an inhabited wall" (Gregory 2009). 



Figure 5 - The inhabited wall

References

- Brown, A. 2004. Making Magic with Materials and Light.  From Kateigaho. http://int.kateigaho.com/mar04/architect-kuma.html
- Gregory, R. Queensland. From The Architectural Review (Sept 2009)

- Johnson, A. 2006. New Directions in the Austrlian House. Pesera Publishing: Australia

-Moulis, A. Thomson, S. The New Backyard. http://www.archmedia.com.au/aa/aaissue.php?issueid=200509&article=typeon=2 (september 2005)

- Oddo, F. 2002. Great (Bamboo) Wall House, Kengo Kuma. Floornature.  http://www.floornature.com/progetto.php?id=4718&sez=30

- Owen and Vokes. Newmarket House. Australian Institute of Architects. http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=20054075

- Taylor, M. 2008. m3architecture. Architectural Design March/April 2008

- World Archtiecture News. 2008. Armstrong Residence. http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10065

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:

Project 1 Part C :: Application

After analysing and archetyping the exemplars, it was required that a cabin be designed for the architect of the exemplar. 
The site for the proposed cabin is set in the heart of Kelvin Grove Urban Village.  The cabin must incorporate the context of the site and is to include the following spaces within the cabin:

• A space for living
• A space for working
• A space for reflecting
• A space for dining
• A space for preparing food
• A space for sleeping
• A space for abluting

The proposed cabin is to be designed to accommodate the exemplar architect and their partner only and is to reflect what has been learned through the archetype research.  The cabin's internal space must be no more than 75m squared.  The design of the cabin is to reflect the requirements of this brief, the unique urban village location and the local environmetal influences.

Project 1 Part C :: Application - Site Analysis

The map of the location of the site in which the cabin is to be placed (below) clearly identifies the opportunities and constraints which the architect will have to take into account during the designing process.  The map shows that there is a university campus and student village nearby which affects the design of the cabin greatly.  

A few of the desirable aspects of the site include; a strong community in which the residents can socialise.  There is also a limited need for a car as there is a collection of cafes and restaurants, a grocery store located only a five minute walk away and a bus route nearby if there is a need to travel further. 

The constraints of living in close proximity to a university campus include the constant pedestrian and traffic flow around the site, resulting in a significant amount of traffic noise.  There may also be constant partying in the student village which surrounds the site so there may also be noise disruption at night. 

Ignoring the demographic element of the site, there are the general aspects of the location of the site.  As seen in the site map provided, there is a golf course across the street from the site, therefore providing nice views from the house.  However, on the north and west side of the site, there are two separate building sites.  The construction on the west side is particularly troublesome as it is planned to be a 10 storey building which will block the afternoon sun.  Due to this structure, the residents will also loose privacy as it will be possible for people in the 10 storey building to peer below and into their house. 

The closer, more detailed site maps illustrate that the dimensions of the site are long and narrow, causing the layout of the house to be quite tight and well thought out.  Being situated on the corner of Maidstone Street and Victoria Park while also having a popular pedestrian path spanning over the north and west boundaries of the site leaves the house to be exposed on three sides of the house meaning that extra precautions will have to be taken to ensure the privacy of the residents.  In addition, as there are no high-rises on the northeast side, the site will receive maximum amount of morning sunlight.  There will be less sunlight in the afternoon as there is a 10 storey building currently being constructed.  The map also demonstrates that most of the wind flows from the south-eastern direction. 

Project 1 Part C :: Application - Cabin Development

Along with analysing the site, it is essential to analyse the spaces which are to be designed into the cabin.  The following are diagrams which examine the purpose and relationships between spaces within the cabin.

The matrix diagram expresses the desired layout of the proposed cabin.  It includes the compulsory spaces along with three other spaces which were included in the exemplar house (entry, connecting space and an outdoor area). 

In the bubble diagram the spaces have divided the house up into the 5 main spaces; public space, outdoor space, connecting space, private space and service space.  The public space includes the living, dining and food preparing areas, the outdoor space includes the back yard and a space for reflecting, the private space includes the bedroom and the studio and the rest are self explanatory. 

Project 1 Part C :: Application - Finished Design

During the task of designing a holiday cabin for Architecture Owen and Vokes, The Newmarket house designed by Owen and Vokes was used an exemplar as shown previously.  In the final design of the Cabin named The O.V Escape Pad, important design elements from the Newmarket house were incorporated into the cabin.  The O.V Escape Pad meets the criteria of being a house that contained human activity, created delight and was an environmental filter as shown in the following paragraphs.

Human Activity

The layout of the house has been designed specifically to incorporate human activity.  On entering the house, guests can immediately identify the main ‘public’ area of the house which is placed in the centre of the house, facing the courtyard.  The living area and the kitchen have been placed at two corners both facing each other, making it easier for conversation to occur between these two areas.  The dining room has been placed outside, in the courtyard to submerge the residents in nature.  Bringing this domestic space into the courtyard also ties the interior and exterior space together and blurs the boundaries.  

Private areas such as the bedroom and reflecting area has been placed on the western side of the site as it is the most quiet and private area on the site.  The abluting space (bathroom) as well as the laundry cupboard has been placed in between the public and private spaces so that when guests are over, they do not invade the owner's personal areas yet is easy to get to from the bedroom.  Lastly, the studio is placed closest to the main road in a glass box, separate from the rest of the house.  Here the architect can be kept away from the distractions of the activities of the house. 

Sense of Delight

The sense of delight created in the cabin was largely influenced by the form of the Newmarket House and can be seen by the use of repetitive, simple geometric shapes pared with the smooth white walls resembling the art deco style.  Concrete floors have also been used to create a natural essence and accentuating the cabin as a shelter. 

A main aspect of the sense of delight is created by the framing of exterior spaces.  The reflecting area and the courtyard both resemble the Newmarket House’s ‘outdoor room’, as the walls containing these areas have been ‘eroded’ and transformed into dwarf walls which allow for quiet and calming views of greenery provided by Kulgan Park.  In addition, the spaces are all placed in a specific way to take advantage of the views provided by the courtyard and the greenery surrounding the site.  For example, the sofa in the living area is positioned so that it views the courtyard and the L shaped bench top of the kitchen faces both Kulgan Park and the courtyard. 

The secluded placement of the studio allows for the architect to be immersed in the landscape of the Victoria golf club and exposed to the urban life evident on Victoria Park Road.  Delight can also be experienced by the public in the studio space because while being exposed to his surroundings, the public can also enter the house and view the architect’s work as bi fold doors are used as an alternative entrance straight into the studio. 

Environmental Filter

The aspects of environmental filtering the house exhibits have been heavily influenced by the analysis of the location of the site as shown previously.  For example, the house has been split up into two main areas; the studio and the public space and as a result, both of these spaces are able to be flooded with the morning sunlight as shown in the sections. This then reduces the need for unnecessary electrical lighting during the day.  The cabin is also designed to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year through passive design.  For example, the bedroom has been placed on the western side as it is the coolest position within the boundaries due to the fact that there will soon be a 10 storey building behind, which will block out the afternoon sun. 

 

The design has also addressed the wind which flows through the area as demonstrated in Wind Diagram 1.  Due to the fact that the site is half surrounded by built up areas, most of the wind is forced to squeeze through the buildings from the south west and towards the north east.  The building has been designed so that maximum ventilation can flow through the entirety of the cabin (both interior and exterior); there have been large windows and open walls placed on the north and south faces of the site.  Wind Diagram illustrates the occasional possible wind flows coming from northeast and proves that the house will be able to cope with versatile changes in wind directions which may occur throughout the year, thereby, making the cabin a wonderful escape for the architect all year round.  There are also louvers located at the top of the raised roof at the entrance as seen in the perspectives of the proposed building.  These can be opened through the use of a turn wheel positioned at human height.  This allows hot air to escape while also allowing cool air to enter as well.