Our design for this new home was formed around a central garden, overlaid with an architectural frameworkthat directs views and aspect through the site. The framework is layered with solid planes and interconnecting screenstoprovide privacy, and control and promote engagement within the home and the surrounding landscape.
What is the conceptual framework of the project – including underlying principles, values, sustainableinitiatives, core ideas and or philosophy?
Located on a north facing greenfield site, surrounded by large scale dwellings, the concept for this home was formed around a central garden, overlaid with an architectural framework comprising solid planes and interconnecting screens that is used to direct views and aspect through the site.
On the upper levels, the screen is used to provide privacy from the street below, whilst maximizing interaction with the adjacent landscape, in particular with the existing Jacaranda tree to the front of the site.
The framework is layered with solid planes, these planes are used to define volumes, interconnect spaces, provide privacy, and ultimately control and promote engagement within the home and externally towards the surrounding landscape.
The architectural footprint upon which the framework was established was generated to capture northern light into the two separate living areas, while softer light was sought for the kitchen, dining and sleeping areas.
Typical open plan living was avoided in search for separate, calm and purposeful spaces. This need for separation and acoustic privacy drove the form of the building, while a layered approach of filtered built elements, such as the steel screening and double sided fireplaces, enabled the level of family interaction required.
What contribution does the design make to the lives of its inhabitants?
We sought to create a quality of space that provides both a sense of sanctuary, enclosure and comfort; whilst offering a level of immersion within the landscape.
Emphasis was placed upon capturing the varying qualities of light, the scale and proportions of space, and providing a tangible connection with the building's landscaped surrounds;whilst at the same time maintaining a high level of privacy from the streetand neighboring properties where required.
Cold, dark stagnant spaces were avoided and expanses of glazed sliding doors ensureall volumes are provided with fresh air, an abundance of natural light and garden aspect.
What is the relationship of the built form to the context of the project?
With a north facing front garden and large neighboring homes, this site offered challenges with its size and orientation.With the introduction of a central garden within the site, the focus and aspect is directed both inwards and out towards the street. The aspect towards the street was paramount, both for capturing northern sun and to connect to the existing Jacaranda tree. Additionally the aspect to the central garden provides privacy and interconnection between various living areas.
The built form was then overlaid with an architectural frameworkthat is used to direct views and aspect through the site.
Program Resolution – how does the functional performance match the clients brief?
Our brief was to place as much significance on the landscape and outdoor spaces as to any of the internal living spaces. Our early workshops established that the landscape was to become not just the surrounds to the architecture but central to it. Capturing the northern light and achieving a high level of privacy from the street was also paramount.
By seemingly wrapping the built form around the landscape,the full extent of the building program engages with the garden and the interaction with the landscape is maximized.
Integration of allied disciplines – how have the contributions of others, including architects, interior designers, landscape architects, builders and other specialists, helped achieve the outcome?
Our team at studiofour comprises designers with experience in architecture, interiors, landscape and art. With this residence, we were able to provide a holistic design approach and therefore there were no boundaries in this project. Each discipline bled into another, to inform a cohesive, highly considered outcome.
The success of this residence is due to the contribution of our clients, who placed their complete trust in our studio to seek a design strategy unique for their family. Their willingness to share thorough insights into their values and life style enabled a result that speaks truly of their family.
Cost / Value outcome – how effective were the decisions related to financial issues?
The program requirements for this residence were extensive, but restriction of the floor plates not only increased the proportion of outdoor space, but ensured budget was available for the interconnecting screens.
The value of the architectural framework could be easily understood as it formed the walls and gave containment to the interior spaces, whereas the value of the interconnecting screensrequired ongoing explorations to confirm their value to the overall project.
While internal room sizes are not substantial, the framework enables each area to borrow the negative external space between the screen and glass to increase the perception of space.
