Sailcloth details and woven rope come from the local crafts. All of these traditional materials are layered with modern glazing, insulation, and also building systems to create a high-performance of the house structure.
A new way to interact with the heat, cold and snow are designed in three ways. The first is living inside the foundation. The architect raises the foundation much higher than the norm, so people can enter into the living space. When summer comes, this living room acts as a fun reservoir of cool air.
The noise from the high-speed motorway can be reduced by the height of the retaining walls. These walls also can block the strong westward sun and the strong northwest wind from the sea. With the walls, greater privacy can be created for the resident’s everyday life from the public motorway outside the house building.
A compact design of the distinct functions can be found on the first floor. While the larger design on the second floor comes from the facsimile of a slightly pivoted windmill. Some of the communal spaces allow the family to come out and also creating a connection between the house and the outside. Home, neighborhood, and spaces are connected and also become a filter to the climate harshness.
By taking full advantage of the parameters outlined, the house structure is made based on the local building convention. At the top part of the wall-height reinforced concrete foundations, the architect designs a light wood frame rather than pouring a concrete slab as usual. On top of these foundations, the two-storey house sits with a wooden frame.
Considering the use of building materials themselves is a another opportunity to build in a more environmentally conscious manner. At the more bespoke end, options like rammed earth and even straw are making a comeback as luxe and uber eco-building materials.
Su House physically has an open concept to the town with its in-between space and stairs. The design tries to make the town closer to the house than just a building in the middle of the town.
The idea of Shiro House design is different from a building design with small openings and a chance to enjoy the seasons from the sheltered distance. With its small open area, Shiro House can take full advantage of the building structure and also connect with the cityscape and landscape. This house is made to yet expansive and open to feel the changes in the seasons of Narayama.
The architect successes to deliver the project brief to the local government and also gained the approval smoothly. The local government approval is a challenge for this project. The team works together with the client to make sure that everything that the client wants are fulfilled. They also consider the land aspect around the house site.
For the materials, Benn and Penna Architects uses a lot of wood to design the floor, the frame of the door and window, furniture, and storage. This material is balanced with white paints to create a bright background that comes from the wall and ceiling. And in order to create an open and large space, only essential furniture and elements are inserted into the house space.
There is a small rear backyard in Balmain Rock. In this backyard, the client and family can have a fun time to enjoy the outdoors in a simple and easy way. With some small greeneries and simple backyard design, this house can have a minimalist design style in its outdoor area which is perfect for the physical size of the building.
Alana Groom
Bella Duckworth
Ella Summers
Karin Hoover
Linjo Joson
Molly Milson
TraceyC