For the final design I rethought the uses of space and concluded that the architect's studio need not be separate from the rest of the cabin. I also reduced the kitchen to a simple bench along one wall. To compensate for this, a large deck extends out from the main area on which the activities normally contained in the living room, dining room and studio can spill out onto. To maintain privacy from the street during these activities, the South wall stretches beyond the house, bringing the focus of the house to the North-East. The orientation of the house also leads itself to good ventilation, by catching breeze in the morning when it is most needed; during direct sunlight.
Similar to the Brooks St house, an earthy pallet is achieved with generous use of timber.
The footprint of the cabin is kept low, by raising the ground floor off the ground and using timber framing for the ground floor rather than cast concrete. In addition, no landscaping is undertaken. The cabin works with what is existing and does not have to compensate with landscaping.
Environmental filter
Ventilation
As the ventilation diagrams show, ample ventilation is achieved through the use of openings all around the cabin not unlike Brooks St house. The sliding screens, when open, catch the morning breeze (from the North-East) and direct it into the house when it is most needed. In the afternoon when the wind come from the opposite direction, the house is in shadow, and does not require much ventilation. With adjustable shutters on the Northern face, replicating the interactive nature of James Russell's philosophy of an active participant user, adjusting the ventilation to suit changes in weather and temperature.
Ventilation
As the ventilation diagrams show, ample ventilation is achieved through the use of openings all around the cabin not unlike Brooks St house. The sliding screens, when open, catch the morning breeze (from the North-East) and direct it into the house when it is most needed. In the afternoon when the wind come from the opposite direction, the house is in shadow, and does not require much ventilation. With adjustable shutters on the Northern face, replicating the interactive nature of James Russell's philosophy of an active participant user, adjusting the ventilation to suit changes in weather and temperature.
Container of human activities
Served & serving
Served & serving
As in Brooks St house, the serving spaces are pushed against one side of the house, providing maximum space for the served spaces to function, reducing clutter, directing traffic, and creating a visual indication of the location of these spaces.
Public and private
Distinction between public and private spaces are clear, with a staircase to the bedroom, and a step and change of material on the deck to indicate to people who are not guests that the deck is not part of the public park. This also works to compliment the private feeling of the upstairs bedroom, amplifying the comfortable and safe feeling.
Delightful experience
Back against a wall – a place for reflection.
Delightful experience
Back against a wall – a place for reflection.
Places for reflection are provided backed against a wall, creating comfortable areas to sit and think and design, overlooking Kulgun Park and the giant trees surrounding the golf course.
Overall I believe this design is successful by not only meeting the design breif, but by focusing on the 3 ideas of the environmental filter, the container of human activities, and a delightful experience. Due to this, the design rises above a mere cabin in Kelvin Grove, and becomes a pleasure to use and view.
