3/24/10
Introduction/ Project Explanation:
Firmitas, utiltas, and ventus, the basis of architecture and the starting point for project one. Over the past weeks I’ve been researching into three building, two being Australian and one International. Of these three buildings one is to be selected. Further researched will then be done into that particular building and the architects. From the findings a new cabin shall be designed to suit the architects of the chosen building. Their particular design style will be drawn upon for the new cabin while keeping with the project themes of, house as an environmental filter, house as a container of human activity, and house as a delightful experience.
Archetype 1
Archetype 1 International: Blades Residents
Architect: Morphosis
Why I chose this house:
The first house I've chosen is the Blades Residents in Santa Barbara, California, USA. This house was designed by Thom Mayne of Morphosis architects and to me demonstrates an interlocking of outdoor and indoor spaces. The building uses complex geometry to elevate and extrude the building into its surrounding environment. This fuses the building with its surroundings thus blurring the dialect of in and outside space.
Environmental filter:
Architect: Morphosis
Why I chose this house:
The first house I've chosen is the Blades Residents in Santa Barbara, California, USA. This house was designed by Thom Mayne of Morphosis architects and to me demonstrates an interlocking of outdoor and indoor spaces. The building uses complex geometry to elevate and extrude the building into its surrounding environment. This fuses the building with its surroundings thus blurring the dialect of in and outside space.
Environmental filter:
As an environmental flitter the Blades Residents is an occasion to acti
vate land surface and respond to a natural site on 
a scale that makes the building very distinct (Morphopedia, 2010). The building design allows for small windows and balconies at selected points these give framed views of the surrounding landscape, allowing the user to be outside the house while still being contained within. This outside while still contained within can also be found within the surrounding landscape, as Mayne has created overhanging structures that again blur the lines between in and out. In this case though it's the building being taken out into the landscape rather than nature being pulled within.
Container of human activities:
As the Blades Residents was designed around being a residential address it has to contain t
he day to day life of its users. The building has been designed to allow spaces to flow from one another; this allows a seamless transition throughout the 
building no matter the activity. The building was designed to not be a series of distinct rooms but instead an overlapping of zones. Other than day to day life and work activities the Blades Residents also boasts a gallery which Morphopedia (2010) described as, "a modest statement deferring to the character of the neighbourhood."
Delightful experience:
To create a delightful experience within the building Mayne uses surfaces that penetrate other surfaces in turn this creates a flow of spaces throughout the building. Both the spatial co
mplexity and mix of smooth and rough surfaces make for a dramatic experience as the building is constantly appealing to the s
enses (A Weekly Dose of Architecture, 2010). To create an environment where the user feels protected Mayne uses a curved roof shape which gives the impression of the building burrowing into the earth. This teamed up with many natural light and panorama sources creates a feeling of warmth and refuge within thus creating an environment that enlightens users (Morphopedia, 2010).
vate land surface and respond to a natural site on 
a scale that makes the building very distinct (Morphopedia, 2010). The building design allows for small windows and balconies at selected points these give framed views of the surrounding landscape, allowing the user to be outside the house while still being contained within. This outside while still contained within can also be found within the surrounding landscape, as Mayne has created overhanging structures that again blur the lines between in and out. In this case though it's the building being taken out into the landscape rather than nature being pulled within.Container of human activities:
As the Blades Residents was designed around being a residential address it has to contain t
he day to day life of its users. The building has been designed to allow spaces to flow from one another; this allows a seamless transition throughout the 
building no matter the activity. The building was designed to not be a series of distinct rooms but instead an overlapping of zones. Other than day to day life and work activities the Blades Residents also boasts a gallery which Morphopedia (2010) described as, "a modest statement deferring to the character of the neighbourhood."Delightful experience:
To create a delightful experience within the building Mayne uses surfaces that penetrate other surfaces in turn this creates a flow of spaces throughout the building. Both the spatial co
mplexity and mix of smooth and rough surfaces make for a dramatic experience as the building is constantly appealing to the s
enses (A Weekly Dose of Architecture, 2010). To create an environment where the user feels protected Mayne uses a curved roof shape which gives the impression of the building burrowing into the earth. This teamed up with many natural light and panorama sources creates a feeling of warmth and refuge within thus creating an environment that enlightens users (Morphopedia, 2010). Archetype 2:
Archetype 2 National: Isaacson-Davis House
Architect: John Wardle
Why I chose this house:
To me the Isaacson-Davis House is a true showcase of a beach house, it’s nestled among trees as if to shelter from ocean breezes while its remains open enough to encourage use. It's a modest size house which reeks of weekend getaway. The building appeals to me because of its strict use of materials, (façades being almost entirely wooden) and its ability to have a minimal foot print on the site. Other than footings the majority of the building is elevated creating the perception of weightlessness much like the surrounding landscape (Australian Institute of Architects, 2009). I think that the manipulation of light and use of materials within this building are interesting as they create a warming atmosphere that really highlights the ind
oo
rs element of the house while the use of large open windows captivates the surrounding context and make the user feel apart outdoor element.
Environmental filter:
As mentioned above this building is an incredible environmental filter. In a climate like that of Victoria it’s not uncommon to see buildings with thick block walls trying to retain heat but in the case of the Isaacson-Davis House the materials are very natural. These natural materials create a certain warmth about the house while also connecting the user with the environment simply through sensation of touch (Australian Institute of Architects, 2009). From inside the building users can obtain glimpses of the outside but this peaking aspect is best highlighted from the outside, small slit windows at the base of some floors catch outside attention without invading the privacy of users within.
Container of human activities:
"The house serves as a weekender for the clients" (Australian Institute of Architects, 2009
) it is a building that is about the activity of arriving unpacking then repacking 
before departure. Unlike the Blades Residents and the Bark Studio House this building was not designed around the functions of work and living but instead around reflection and relaxation. The building has nooks and outdoor reading areas which are emplace to slow the user and encourage the activities of weekend getaway. The house dose still function as a normal house in the way of having all the usual amenities yet it boasts a "discovery" nature which heightens the sense of somewhere new and not so common.
Delightful experience:
As a delightful experience I think the way the building has been designed for use displays this best. As the Australian Institute of Architects (2009) states "the sequence of entry and threshold is also carefully considered. Like many Breuer houses, Wardle's design is hidden (or "unpacks") as a way to heighten discovery. Visitors are made to approach the house from the road, a distance that allows, indeed forces them to consider the form they are about to enter". Views from the house should also be noted as a delightful asp
ect as Van Shaik (2008, 
p.48) explains “views from the house align with particular external features, a cluster of banksias and tea-trees, and the rising and setting sun" all of which have been designed to enlighten the users.
Why I chose this house:
To me the Isaacson-Davis House is a true showcase of a beach house, it’s nestled among trees as if to shelter from ocean breezes while its remains open enough to encourage use. It's a modest size house which reeks of weekend getaway. The building appeals to me because of its strict use of materials, (façades being almost entirely wooden) and its ability to have a minimal foot print on the site. Other than footings the majority of the building is elevated creating the perception of weightlessness much like the surrounding landscape (Australian Institute of Architects, 2009). I think that the manipulation of light and use of materials within this building are interesting as they create a warming atmosphere that really highlights the ind
oo
rs element of the house while the use of large open windows captivates the surrounding context and make the user feel apart outdoor element.Environmental filter:
As mentioned above this building is an incredible environmental filter. In a climate like that of Victoria it’s not uncommon to see buildings with thick block walls trying to retain heat but in the case of the Isaacson-Davis House the materials are very natural. These natural materials create a certain warmth about the house while also connecting the user with the environment simply through sensation of touch (Australian Institute of Architects, 2009). From inside the building users can obtain glimpses of the outside but this peaking aspect is best highlighted from the outside, small slit windows at the base of some floors catch outside attention without invading the privacy of users within.
Container of human activities:
"The house serves as a weekender for the clients" (Australian Institute of Architects, 2009
) it is a building that is about the activity of arriving unpacking then repacking 
before departure. Unlike the Blades Residents and the Bark Studio House this building was not designed around the functions of work and living but instead around reflection and relaxation. The building has nooks and outdoor reading areas which are emplace to slow the user and encourage the activities of weekend getaway. The house dose still function as a normal house in the way of having all the usual amenities yet it boasts a "discovery" nature which heightens the sense of somewhere new and not so common.Delightful experience:
As a delightful experience I think the way the building has been designed for use displays this best. As the Australian Institute of Architects (2009) states "the sequence of entry and threshold is also carefully considered. Like many Breuer houses, Wardle's design is hidden (or "unpacks") as a way to heighten discovery. Visitors are made to approach the house from the road, a distance that allows, indeed forces them to consider the form they are about to enter". Views from the house should also be noted as a delightful asp
ect as Van Shaik (2008, 
p.48) explains “views from the house align with particular external features, a cluster of banksias and tea-trees, and the rising and setting sun" all of which have been designed to enlighten the users.Archetype 3
Archetype 3 National: Bark Studio House
Architect: Bark Design (Stephen Guthrie and Lindy Atkin)
Why I chose this house:
The Bark Studio House is an owner/designer building. This has allowed the architect to create a building that truly showcases their "design approach and philosophies while making an inspiring place to work" (Contemporist, 2009). It is a building that is modest in size but not in self promotion, as it houses the Bark Design firm and a "shop front" window displays previous works. The building itself promotes Bark Design by displaying their understanding of nature and the need for architecture to be part of it, this is done by combining both site specific and climate sensitive design (Bark Designs, n.d.).These aspects are just some of the reasons I've
chosen the Bark Studio House both as an Archetype and as the 
building/architects to base my cabin design around.
Environmental filter:
As an environmental filter the Bark Studio House blurs the lines between in and out by orientating the building to look over expansive views through large glass façades. These façades are angled outwards creating an almost unrecognizable barrier both outside and within the building. Three of the four façades consist of open able windows and door that further blur the lines between in and out. This aspect also works with the design elements within the building. Spaces are very open as if to feel like the expansive views found throughout but when windows and doors are opened the building turns into a viewing deck. Shaded veranda areas allow for outside use while the two mature Brown Bloodwood Eucalypts bordering the open plan style of house encourages it. (Contemporist, 2009)
Container of human activities:
Bark Studio House is primarily a works area thus it has been 
designed to accommodate up to six people with drafting and modelling space but the intent was not to focus on work as much as it was to create multifunctional space. As the Ume Magazine (2010) states "the main linear work space was conceived as an open veranda with compactly scaled service spaces ’plugging in’ along its length. These service spaces include Kitchen, Laundry, Bathrooms, File and Drawing Storage and vertical circulation." Spaces have been provided to contain human activity but have rarely stated what activity must be conducted within.
Delightful experience:
Bark Studio House is said to be "eye catching" and "memorable", it is a building that delights the user with both views from and towards the building. By opening up the façades the designers have been able to make this small 72m2 building feel expansive, creating an atmosphere tha
t allows for escape for everyday woes. The climatic and site 
responsive design philosophies have created a building that feels comfortable and closer to nature. By understanding the site the designers have been able to incorporate nature into the design and in turn have been able to create an environmentally friendly building that is attractive to the user and by passer (Contemporist, 2009). "At every junction, glass surfaces are juxtaposed cleanly with steel, aluminium, timber and plywood, giving a clear honest expression of materials and simple, legible structure" (Ume, 2010).
Architect: Bark Design (Stephen Guthrie and Lindy Atkin)
Why I chose this house:
The Bark Studio House is an owner/designer building. This has allowed the architect to create a building that truly showcases their "design approach and philosophies while making an inspiring place to work" (Contemporist, 2009). It is a building that is modest in size but not in self promotion, as it houses the Bark Design firm and a "shop front" window displays previous works. The building itself promotes Bark Design by displaying their understanding of nature and the need for architecture to be part of it, this is done by combining both site specific and climate sensitive design (Bark Designs, n.d.).These aspects are just some of the reasons I've
chosen the Bark Studio House both as an Archetype and as the 
building/architects to base my cabin design around.Environmental filter:
As an environmental filter the Bark Studio House blurs the lines between in and out by orientating the building to look over expansive views through large glass façades. These façades are angled outwards creating an almost unrecognizable barrier both outside and within the building. Three of the four façades consist of open able windows and door that further blur the lines between in and out. This aspect also works with the design elements within the building. Spaces are very open as if to feel like the expansive views found throughout but when windows and doors are opened the building turns into a viewing deck. Shaded veranda areas allow for outside use while the two mature Brown Bloodwood Eucalypts bordering the open plan style of house encourages it. (Contemporist, 2009)
Container of human activities:
Bark Studio House is primarily a works area thus it has been 
designed to accommodate up to six people with drafting and modelling space but the intent was not to focus on work as much as it was to create multifunctional space. As the Ume Magazine (2010) states "the main linear work space was conceived as an open veranda with compactly scaled service spaces ’plugging in’ along its length. These service spaces include Kitchen, Laundry, Bathrooms, File and Drawing Storage and vertical circulation." Spaces have been provided to contain human activity but have rarely stated what activity must be conducted within.Delightful experience:
Bark Studio House is said to be "eye catching" and "memorable", it is a building that delights the user with both views from and towards the building. By opening up the façades the designers have been able to make this small 72m2 building feel expansive, creating an atmosphere tha
t allows for escape for everyday woes. The climatic and site 
responsive design philosophies have created a building that feels comfortable and closer to nature. By understanding the site the designers have been able to incorporate nature into the design and in turn have been able to create an environmentally friendly building that is attractive to the user and by passer (Contemporist, 2009). "At every junction, glass surfaces are juxtaposed cleanly with steel, aluminium, timber and plywood, giving a clear honest expression of materials and simple, legible structure" (Ume, 2010).
Architects Ideas On Architecture:
"Variable in colour, texture, density, character, it is invariably the role of bark to define the line between inside and out; to negotiate the relationship between the internal and external environment; to contain, protect, house" (Bark Designs, n.d.). Bark Designs believe that essential design principles include expressing lightness, transparency, texture, seamless indoor / outdoor spaces, light and shadow, climate response, landscape integration and are needed to create a true container of human life.
(Youtube, 2010)
(Youtube, 2010)
Design Intent Behind Bark Studio:
-Making a ‘Showcase’ of our climatic and site responsive design philosophies.
-In a semi rural situation the building needed to be a self contained environment and a demonstration that with appropriate site specific design and technology, knowledge based professionals such as Architects can successfully work in an alternative to the urban studio environment.
-Expressing lightness, transparency, texture, seamless indoor / outdoor spaces, light and shadow, climate response, landscape integration as essential design principles.
-Expressing an economy of lightweight materials within a framework of strong structural legibility.
(Contemporist, 2009)
-In a semi rural situation the building needed to be a self contained environment and a demonstration that with appropriate site specific design and technology, knowledge based professionals such as Architects can successfully work in an alternative to the urban studio environment.
-Expressing lightness, transparency, texture, seamless indoor / outdoor spaces, light and shadow, climate response, landscape integration as essential design principles.
-Expressing an economy of lightweight materials within a framework of strong structural legibility.
(Contemporist, 2009)
Cabin Discription:
Environmental filter:
Much like the Bark Studio House my cabin design intended to blur the line between in and out and to purvey an environment where nature and house are one. To do this I’ve used a lot of glass façades that can be opened to diminish the barrier between the user and the environment. I’ve also integrated open plan living to the cabin, by having open spaces within the cabin the user will loose the sense of strong enclosure and be rewarded with containment that has an expansive element to it. Again like the Bark Studio House my cabin design sees the building being orientated towards the north-east and placed next to a small stream. This orientation will provide the cabin with optimum sun light while also gaining cool breezes and views from the steam. The cabin aims to be at one with nature and encourage interaction with nature where possible.
Container of human activities:
As a container of human activity my cabin displays extensive use of multifunctional space. These spaces have been organised to allow connection between simular functions and to allow for free flowing movement throughout the cabin. Some of the human activities and spatial arrangements found in the cabin are Living/Working, Dinning/Reflecting, Dinning / Food Preparation, Sleeping/ Reflecting, Bathing, and Ablating. To allow an interaction between these different spaces and uses I’ve limited non-transparent doors to one. This creates spaces that connect with one another but can be separated to an extent through the use of transparent barriers and openings. With so many spaces existing in the cabin open plan living was needed to allow for uninterrupted circulation through out. This aspect also allows activities to span over more than one space depending on situation, for example large scale entertaining can spread throughout the veranda, working hall, living, and kitchen spaces without circulation interruption.
Delightful experience:
To delight users the cabin has been place on a hill side to provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape. These views are then showcased and framed by the cabins large windows. To provide comfort throughout the cabin, climate and site specific design have been used to keep the building cool and shaded. Veranda spaces have been included to provide covered outdoor areas while vegetation has been used to enclose these areas. The design works with an element of user activation by creating spaces that can be joined or separated, and opened or closed as the user desires. This creates spaces that can be segregated and private or joined and social as the user permits.
Much like the Bark Studio House my cabin design intended to blur the line between in and out and to purvey an environment where nature and house are one. To do this I’ve used a lot of glass façades that can be opened to diminish the barrier between the user and the environment. I’ve also integrated open plan living to the cabin, by having open spaces within the cabin the user will loose the sense of strong enclosure and be rewarded with containment that has an expansive element to it. Again like the Bark Studio House my cabin design sees the building being orientated towards the north-east and placed next to a small stream. This orientation will provide the cabin with optimum sun light while also gaining cool breezes and views from the steam. The cabin aims to be at one with nature and encourage interaction with nature where possible.
Container of human activities:
As a container of human activity my cabin displays extensive use of multifunctional space. These spaces have been organised to allow connection between simular functions and to allow for free flowing movement throughout the cabin. Some of the human activities and spatial arrangements found in the cabin are Living/Working, Dinning/Reflecting, Dinning / Food Preparation, Sleeping/ Reflecting, Bathing, and Ablating. To allow an interaction between these different spaces and uses I’ve limited non-transparent doors to one. This creates spaces that connect with one another but can be separated to an extent through the use of transparent barriers and openings. With so many spaces existing in the cabin open plan living was needed to allow for uninterrupted circulation through out. This aspect also allows activities to span over more than one space depending on situation, for example large scale entertaining can spread throughout the veranda, working hall, living, and kitchen spaces without circulation interruption.
Delightful experience:
To delight users the cabin has been place on a hill side to provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape. These views are then showcased and framed by the cabins large windows. To provide comfort throughout the cabin, climate and site specific design have been used to keep the building cool and shaded. Veranda spaces have been included to provide covered outdoor areas while vegetation has been used to enclose these areas. The design works with an element of user activation by creating spaces that can be joined or separated, and opened or closed as the user desires. This creates spaces that can be segregated and private or joined and social as the user permits.
Intent behind my cabin:
The overall intent behind my design is to create a cabin that is aesthetically please while keeping with site specific and climate sensitive design principles. My design focuses on providing captivating views from every angle of the cabin while remaining true to a private residents. Spaces have been intended for multifunctional uses while segregation and intermit spaces can be created as desired. The design hopes to provide Stephen Guthrie and Lindy Atkin a place where they can escape to without feeling as though they have left their design studio behind, a place where they can feel away yet at home.
Conclusion:
Subscribing to both International and site specific design ideals, the cabin is intended to make a valuable contribution to the continuum of contemporary vernacular architecture of South East Queensland and provide Stephen Guthrie and Lindy Atkin with a cabin retreat that they would be proud to call their own.
References: In text
A Weekly Dose of Architecture. (2010). Blades Residents. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.archidose.org/May00/052200.html
Australian Design Review. (2010). The big 5: John Wardle Architects. Retrieved March 3, 2010, from http://www.australiandesignreview.com/feature/9533-The-big-5-John-Wardle-Architects-John-Wardle-Architects?page=1
Australian Institute of Architects. (2009). Bark Studio. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=20054082
Bark Designs. (n.d.). Bark Studio. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.barkdesign.com.au/
Contemporist. (2009). The Studio of Bark Design Architects. Retrieved March 1, 2010 from http://www.contemporist.com/2009/10/24/the-studio-of-bark-design-architects/
Morphopedia. (2010). Blades Residents. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://morphopedia.com/projects/blades-residence
Shaik, V. (2008). Volume: John Wardle Architects (1st e.d.). Australia: Thames and Hudson Pty Ltd
Timber buildings in Australia. (n.d.). Isaacson-Davis Beach House. Retrieved March 3, 2010, from http://oak.arch.utas.edu.au/projects/aus/459/459_5.htm
Ume Magazine. (2010). Bark Design: Studio House Sunshine Coast, Queensland,
Australia. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.umemagazine.com/issues.aspx
Youtube. (2010). Pecha Kucha Noosa 2009 Bark Sunshine Coast Architects.flv. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnT-z__XXcw
Australian Design Review. (2010). The big 5: John Wardle Architects. Retrieved March 3, 2010, from http://www.australiandesignreview.com/feature/9533-The-big-5-John-Wardle-Architects-John-Wardle-Architects?page=1
Australian Institute of Architects. (2009). Bark Studio. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=20054082
Bark Designs. (n.d.). Bark Studio. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.barkdesign.com.au/
Contemporist. (2009). The Studio of Bark Design Architects. Retrieved March 1, 2010 from http://www.contemporist.com/2009/10/24/the-studio-of-bark-design-architects/
Morphopedia. (2010). Blades Residents. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://morphopedia.com/projects/blades-residence
Shaik, V. (2008). Volume: John Wardle Architects (1st e.d.). Australia: Thames and Hudson Pty Ltd
Timber buildings in Australia. (n.d.). Isaacson-Davis Beach House. Retrieved March 3, 2010, from http://oak.arch.utas.edu.au/projects/aus/459/459_5.htm
Ume Magazine. (2010). Bark Design: Studio House Sunshine Coast, Queensland,
Australia. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.umemagazine.com/issues.aspx
Youtube. (2010). Pecha Kucha Noosa 2009 Bark Sunshine Coast Architects.flv. Retrieved March 19, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnT-z__XXcw
References: Others Cited
Cilento, K. (2009). The Studio of Bark Design Architects. Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://www.archdaily.com/39543/the-studio-of-bark-design-architects/
Jackson, D. (2007). Next Wave: New Australian Architecture. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd
QUT. (2010). Blackboard, DAB-310. Retrieved February 26, 2010, from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_61980_1%26url%3D
Wallace, M. & Stutchbury, S. (2008). Place Makers: Contemporary Queensland Architects. South Brisbane, Qld. : Queensland Art Gallery, 2008.
Jackson, D. (2007). Next Wave: New Australian Architecture. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd
QUT. (2010). Blackboard, DAB-310. Retrieved February 26, 2010, from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_61980_1%26url%3D
Wallace, M. & Stutchbury, S. (2008). Place Makers: Contemporary Queensland Architects. South Brisbane, Qld. : Queensland Art Gallery, 2008.
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