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.
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