Research
Brookes St House, Fortitude Valley, QLD
James Russell
"Nestled between two 19th century state heritage-listed buildings in Fortitude Valley, the Brookes Street house is a modern, raw, cubby-like home for a family of four. The project was to create a secure and green inner sanctum amidst the chaos of 2 major arterial roads that feed the city of Brisbane. The site's total width is a narrow 5.6 metres. The building is set back over 16m to create entry across a forecourt. This unites the listed buildings, the office in front of the church and our home and office. The entrance to the home is subtle: once through the threshold, one enters a private and secure world. The layout consists of two pavillions across a grass court. The court is the heart of the house and the draw for light and ventilation. From the first of the two pavillions, there is a relationship with the street to the south west and grass court to the north east. This pavillion houses the living/kitchen space at court level together with a mezzanine bed over. Across the court is the children's playroom rolling onto the court and two bedrooms over." (Australian Institute of Architects, 2010)
References:
Australian Institute of Architects (2010). Brookes Street House. Retrieved from:http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=20064145
Our Brisbane (n.d). Brisbane’s architectural brilliance. Retrieved from:http://www.ourbrisbane.com/real-estate/brisbanes-architectural-brilliance
Domain Design (n.d). James Russell Architect. Retrieved from:http://www.domaindesign.com.au/searchResults/1/James-Russell-Architect.html
Replicated drawings
Note: I was unable to find 3d drawings by James Russell, only some very low-res floor plans & sections.
Note: I was unable to find 3d drawings by James Russell, only some very low-res floor plans & sections.
Analysis
Environmental Filter
Ventilation
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is important in the Brisbane climate. From reducing the inside temperature, exhausting co2, reducing VOC emittions and creating a pleasant environment, the benefits are immeasurable.As the diagram shows, cross ventilation is excellent in Brooks St House. Due to the length of the house, and the large adjacent building blocking air flow, ventilation along the length of the house is emphasised. Large openings on the front and rear form the backbone of the ventilation, with openings in the side where possible. Openings in the roof aid in ventilation in rooms where cross ventilation is difficult, as is the case in the rear bedroom. Russel likens the house to a boat: “The occupant is required to be an active participant, adjusting openings to suit changing weather and seasons”. This involves a person with the house, and makes him/her feel more connected to it and the outside world, also creating a sense of delight.
Container of human activities
Served & serving
Although sometimes an invisible boundary, the separation of served and serving spaces is important in a house as it helps recude traffic flow and clutter. Rooms such as storage closets, bathrooms, stairs and hallways should be separated and hidden from the served spaces, however they must also be as accessible as possible from the served spaces. In Brooks St, with the exception of the kitchen, every serving space is grouped to one side of the house. This grouping allows more space for the served spaces to function, and clearly indicates where the serving spaces are found.
Although sometimes an invisible boundary, the separation of served and serving spaces is important in a house as it helps recude traffic flow and clutter. Rooms such as storage closets, bathrooms, stairs and hallways should be separated and hidden from the served spaces, however they must also be as accessible as possible from the served spaces. In Brooks St, with the exception of the kitchen, every serving space is grouped to one side of the house. This grouping allows more space for the served spaces to function, and clearly indicates where the serving spaces are found.
Public and private
In a house, the clear distinction between public and private spaces is important. This reduces the confusion guests may have when walking around the house, and enhances the feeling of ownership and safety in the private spaces. In Brookes st, for the most part, private spaces are upstairs and public are downstairs. As for the private spaces on ground level, there is a very clear boundry between public and private; a change of level or doors are always used.
Delightful experience
Back against a wall – a place for reflection
To escape from the busyness of the rest of the house, a occupant needs a place to sit and reflect. However, it is difficult to feel completely comfortable when sitting in the middle of a room; one can feel exposed and vulnerable. Thus, to achieve a successful reflection space, the users back must be placed against a wall to evoke a feeling of safety. A view from this position is an added bonus. In Brookes St house, this philosophy is used in various spaces.
