Falls Residence

House as an Environmental Filter

Some aspects of the Falls Residence that are environmental filters include, the utilisation of natural lighting, natural ventilation and materials. In the Falls Residence, the back facade, facing north, is covered in glass to allow in as much natural light as possible. In the working space, facing north west large windows open up to give as much natural light into the working environment as possible. While in the sleeping and reflection spaces, light and views are captured in the Glass Pillars. The center hub of the cabin walls on both the north and south elevations open up to create natural flowing ventilation, that will cool the entire house. Louvers on the sloped roof also capture breeze and direct it into the living space. Thus the building works with elements such as lighting and breeze while framing views of the environment creating a feeling of one between nature and the cabin.


House as a Container

The falls residence can be considered a functional container through its spatial arrangement, planning and circulation. Through using Spatial planning the house functions in three different zones, not unlike the Bordeaux residence. The three zones or containers, include Private, Public and semi Public, with different activities taking place in each zone. The public space is in the centre of the cabin, with all doors leading to the living area, While the entrances and exits from the cabin also leave off this space. This will minimize disturbances to the private and semi private spaces. The reflection space and the sleeping space become their own containers again, with different finishes and roof types that differentiate them from the rest of the space. In the day time there louvred roofs create pillars of light which act as vertical containers within the space.

House as a Delightful Experience

The roof line of the cabin allows the space to open onto the surrounding environment. This allows the space to feel as thought it is part of the environment rather than just placed on the site. The cabins shape also accentuates this feeling, as it is an arc, it feels like it is opening its arms to the surroundings, while also making the space feel larger by creating and framing false perspectives.

Falls Residence - For Rem Koolhaas

The Falls Residence is situated at the at the back of the site, facing the north. When facing this way it cuts out the view of the neighbouring lots and frames the view of the river and falls that surround the back of the site.

Site plan: Drawn on A3 at 1:500

The site slopes gently downhill towards the back of the site. This can be used to create an outlook for the cabin to sit on. The house is also surrounded with trees and vegetation, most of this must stay as it keeps the soil in place. This is important with the nearby rivers and falls.

Site Plan Section: Drawn on A3 at 1:500.

The house is split into 7 sections:

1. Living Area
2. Dining Area
3. Preparing Food
4. Working Space
5. Reflecting Space
6. Ablution Space
7. Sleeping space

The location of the spaces in the cabin have been dictated by the spatial diagrams and matrix. The hub of the cabin contains the living, dining and food preparation areas. The front entrance and back entrance and parallel and can open up to allow air to flow through the space ventilating the entire cabin.

Floor Plan: Drawn on A3 at 1:100

The cab has different roof levels that are integral to it working in this climate. There are three main roofs in the cabin. In the two end spaces ( the working and ablution space) the roof is slopping, opening towards the view of the river. As shown in Section B-B.

Section B-B: Drawn on A3 as 1:100

The second roof is in the middle hub of the cabin. As seen in section C-C. This roof is higher than others, with openings at each end to allow air to flow through. To help this solid louvers are placed that allows in sunlight and ventilation to help naturally cool the space.

Section C-C: Drawn on A3 at 1:100
The third roof is shown in Section D-D. This roof is over the reflection and sleeping space. This roof is flat and low to create a homely and comfortable feeling about the space. There are also louvers on the roof of the space to allow in fresh air.



Section D-D: Drawn on A3 at 1:100

From the Elevations and 3D perspective it is possible to to see the expressions of form used in the design. The curved wall that creates the back wall of the cabin creates a false perspective which allows the cabin to be perceived as bigger than it really is. The windows on the side of the cabin fold out and can form extra desk or bench space in both the working and ablution space.

3D Perspective

South East Elevation: Drawn on A3 at 1:100

North Elevation: Drawn on A3 at 1:100

Spatial Planning and Concept for Falls Residence

The falls residence is a 75m square cabin for Rem Koolhaas and his partner. The cabin must contain spaces for:

• Living
• Dining
• Preparing food
• Working
• Reflecting
• Sleeping
• Ablution

To figure the best design for Koolhaas, diagrams and spatial analysis has been made.

Matrix Diagram : Full circle - very close

Open circle - general vicinity

Cross - not close

This matrix diagram shows the strengths of the lengths between the different spaces that are needed in the design of the Fall Residence. This diagram shows that the Reflecting space and the working space have similar attributes that allows them to be placed next to each other. It also shows that the food preparation and the dining area work together. Finally it shows that the sleeping and ablution area are best placed together. While the living area is the hub and connecting space in the cabin. Using this data a basic layout for the cabin can be achieved.

Spatial Layout and organisation Diagram - used

Spatial Analysis Diagram - not used

Another item that is important when considering concepts and layout of space, especially in the Australian climate is sun and climate control. In the southern hemisphere an ideal house will face north in order to maximise sun shine inside the house during the winter months, while minimal sun in the summer. Another way to combat this is with eaves over hanging windows and openings.

Sun diagram

These spatial diagrams help to design the spatial layout and planning for the cabin.

Aspects of Exemplar House

In the design of the new cabin for designer Rem Koolhaas a few a aspects from the Bordeaux Residence have been taken and altered to create the Fall Residence. These aspects include Public and Private places, Vertical and Horizontal containers and the used of materials to create framing views.

The Bordeaux House is split horizontally into public and private spaces. This use of space means that entry and exit points into private spaces (top floor) are minimized, While the middle level, public space has multiple entry points and is easily accessible. This aspect has been transformed into the Falls Residence. In the design of the cabin the use of public and private zones is very important. As the floor space is minimized spaces have to be grouped together in forms of convenience. The areas that are needed in the cabin can be split into spaces.

The living, food preparation and eating areas area all considered public spaces, and are the hub of the cabin life. Thus the space is capable to function in an open plan design. With multiple entry and exit points coming off the space. This can also be used to split private places.

Another space that can be created is the work and reflecting space, thus being semi private and public. Work space needs to be well lit and have access to reference material as well as having large desks and quiet working space. This quiet working space allows it to convinced with the reflection area. The reflection area is cornered off from the working space and is angled out so that none of the house or neighbouring properties can be seen. This corner can also be positioned as to overlook the waterfall on the border of the property.

The final two spaces in the cabin are the sleeping and ablution spaces, these two spaces are the most private spaces in the cabin. Thus in this space only one entrance space is allocated, The front glass wall also angles away from the rest of the house and neighbouring lots as well. This creates an oasis for the private space, making it feel as thought its not attached to the rest of the cabin. These uses of separating into functions, as well as limiting airflow, and entry and exit points is a factor used by Koolhaas in his design of the Bordeaux Residence.

Public space vs Private Space: darker shaded private shape, white space public, striped semi private space: Comparison Falls to Bordeaux Residence

The Bordeaux house uses different horizontal and vertical space in creating a working design. There are evident horizontal spaces, which split the functions of the area, as above. Koolhaas has also used skylights to allow light to travel down the multiple levels of the residence. These pillars of light create the vertical containers in the design. These pillars are used in the design of the Falls Residence to highlight spaces of importance. The living space, the reflection and the sleeping space are all bathed in these pillars of light. The roof in these three spaces are louvres that can be opened or closed to let in light and breezes that filter throughout the spaces. The horizontal spaces in the Bordeaux house have again be as organisational tools in the cabin. Instead of creating a multi-leveled cabin, the spaces has been split into horizontal zones instead of vertical.


Pillars of light - Bordeaux Residence: top elevator light shaft, horizontal light, small vertical light shaft - Falls Residence: center light row, top and bottom vertical light pillars

The middle section of the Bordeaux house is Glass based, with only a few geometric shapes puncturing the view. The idea of using different materials in geometric shapes to create views is one that Rem Koolhaas playings with in this design. It is also a feature that he exploits in other buildings such as the 'Central Chinese Television Tower in Beijing'. This feature is used in the design for the cabin as areas are created in which, only the view of the surrounding areas are created. In the reflection and sleeping areas 100 to 120 degree unobstructed views area created and framed by the box of the room. While in the living space the back and front facade is glass, that opens onto the landscape surrounding house. Thus every space in the house has been given a framed view.

Above are three examples of design ideologies used by Rem Koolhaas to achieve his desired outcome in his designs. These have been taken and altered to create a 75m square cabin in which him and his partner can stay.

The New Site

As part of this DAB310 Assignment, the chosen exemplar houses, The Riparian House, Lake Weyba Residence and Maison a Bordeaux, have to be relocated and fitted surrounding a empty site. On this empty site a new cabin is to be designed, following the ideals taken from the exemplar house.

Site Plan - Drawn on A3 at 1:500

This change of site was simple for the lake Weyba residence and the Riparian house as both are situated on water fronts in the southern hemisphere. The Riparian house is situated in a suburban area, hence its new location between two other sites.



The Bordeaux house was a little more difficult to relocate. The house is originally located in France, so most of its windows and opening are facing the south. This causes difficulties as the site that has been given to us is in the southern hemisphere and for the house to function properly it has to be rotated on the site to face north.



Both the Bordeaux house and the Lake Weyba Residence are situated in secluded, or private estates and therefore have been placed on the surrounding edges of the site.



This layout of houses leaves a central site for the new cabin. The site is narrow a long, with a larger open space towards the back of the lot. The back corners of the site are defined by streams meeting to create a waterfall, with exceptional views.



The sloping site is also studded with trees that cannot be removed as it keeps the soil in place.

Site Section - Drawn on A3 at 1:500

In Perspective

Interior Sketch - Kitchen, looking back on station. Pen on paper.

External Perspective - Water Colour on paper

External Perspective - Water Colour on paper

Maison a Bordeaux - Drawings

To fully appreciate Rem Koolhaas and his team of designers work on the Bordeaux house, it is important to view the drawings.

Below are a free-hand set of drawings done of the Bordeaux Residence.

These drawings are a recreation of images of plans, and therefore are not exact replicas.

Ground Floor Plan: Drawn on A3 at 1:100 - Underground semi private and public

Mid-Floor Plan: Drawn on A3 at 1:100 - The glass level, Public Space

Top Floor Level - Drawn on A3 at 1:100 - The private space

Exterior Elevations

East Elevation - Drawn on A3 at 1:100

South Elevation - Drawn on A3 at 1:100

Section - Drawn on A3 at 1:100

The section is one of the most important drawings in this set. This helps to understand the different types of space inside the Bordeaux house. When looking at the Residence from this angle it is easy to identify the areas where vertical and horizontal containers have been used in the design. (Refer to house as a container) It is also easier to identify how different materials define the type of, whether it is public space or private. The middle level, shown in glass is public, while the top level, with little Windows and only skylights for openings creates a private space.

House is a Delightful Experiance

There are several reasons why the Bordeaux house could be considered a delight. When looking at the elements of delight its important to remember that the Maison a Bordeaux is situation in France and therefore different cultural and environmental features can alter the design.

The main critiques when discussing Delight are the 5 senses. These help to understand the Bordeaux house in relation to Delight.

Sound and Smell

The Bordeaux House is situated on a mountain overlooking the town Bordeaux, France. The shrubbery surrounding the garden and the high walls around the courtyard block out the industrial and suburban noises of the area. This helps to create a peaceful oasis for the family. It also insures some level of con troll of the surrounding environment. The Vegetation surrounding the site also helps to filter out some of the pollution from the city. This helps with creating a delightful environment. (OMA 270307, e-architect , 2007)

Sight

The middle level of the Maison a Bordeaux, is practically invisible. This level is also ground level on 3 sides of the building. This design features allows the family to have panoramic views of the town of Bordeaux. The House is located on the top of a mountain 5km from city centre with views of both city and river. The house is also facing south, thus in summer having less sunlight enter the house, and winter having more.

The designer also has use solid and clear material that both blend with the surrounding environment and contrast it. Thus creating a industrial environment that fits into the context of the site. The middle level, as mentioned above, is glass and thus allows the environment to filter into the interior of the household. While the top level is almost completely blocked in to create privacy and comfort for the family, thus making it delightful. (International Journal of Architecture, 2005)

adrian welch, isabelle lomholt, 2007, E - Architect Maison á Bordeaux : Architecture Information + Images, http://www.e-architect.co.uk/bordeaux/maison_a_bordeaux.htm

International Journal of Architecture, 2005, Dynamic Idea Maps: A Framework for Linking ideas with cases. IC Lai -http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mscp/ijac/2005/00000003/00000004/art00002

Exemplar House

Basic Information

Dimitar Rashkov, 2004

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (Main house)

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom (Guest house)

Designer: Rem Koolhaas

Team: Jeanne Gang, Julien Monfort, Bill Price, Jeroen Thomas, Vincent Costes, Chris Dondorp, Erik Schotte, Yo Yamagata, Oliver Schütte

Designer Firm: OMA

Year: 1994 - 1998

Awards: 1999 Le prix L'Equerre d'Argent

1998 TIME Magazine Best Design of the year

Other Designs:

Dimitar Rashkov, 2008, 20 Architectural Renders that Break the Mold, http://www.blenderguru.com/20-architectural-renders-that-break-the-mold/

Initial Research

The Riparian House
St Lucia

Cox Architects

Cox Architect es, 2010

The Riparian House got its name from its extension on the existing house, which allowed it to extend over the Riparian line set by Brisbane City Council. (Cox Architects, 2010) This renovation allowed the house to be situated closer to the river than the surrounding houses giving it amazing views up and down the Brisbane River.

The materials used in the design of this house includes: Glass, zinc Cladding, natural timber battening and Pre-coloured Concrete.

The house was designed for a semi retired couple with space for friends and family to stay. The upstairs level of the house contain es the master bedroom, while the middle and lower floors have guest accommodation. The living area in the house is on the middle level with the large glass windows breaking out from the house and giving exceptional views from all angles. (Catherine Slessor, 2004)

Lake Weyba Residence

Lake Weyba
Gabriel Poole

Gabriel Poole Architecture, 2010

The design for this house is based on steel and canvas tents, which the client lived in prior to the building and design of the Lake Weyba Residence. It was to retail the quality of light, freedom of spirit and ventilation controls. ( Catherine Slessor, 2004)

Bordeaux House

Bordeaux, France
Rem Koolhaas

Hans Werlemann, 2008

The Bordeaux House was designed for a wheelchair bound man, his wife and one of their children. The house is symbolic of the complex world in which the man lives, rather than a simple house. Making it a constant reminder of the world they live in. ( Catherine Slessor, 2004)

The most defining feature of the Bordeaux house is the 3 level moving platform which not only allows the husband to travel to different levels of the house but also acts as a study for the husband.

Catherine Slessor, 2004, 100 of the worlds best houses. Images Publishing - Australia. pg 44-47, 242 - 245, 250 - 253, 324 - 340

Cox Architects, 2010, Riparian House Brisbane. http://www.cox.com.au/projects.aspx?projectId=1918&disciplineId=1201

Gabriel Poole Architecture, 2010, Gabriel and Elizabeth Poole Design Company. http://www.gabrielpoole.com.au/philosophy.html

Hans Werlemann, 2008, Maison a Bordeaux, FRANCE. http://www.oma.eu/index.php?option=com_projects&view=portal&Itemid=10&id=19

House as a container

Rem Koolhaas has considered the concept 'a house as a container' when design the Bordeaux hosue. This can be seen by the different types of containers used in his design of the house.

• Koolhaas has considered his use of materials to create envelopes that are visible from the exterior of the house. As you can see in the images of the house, the top level is clearly distiguished from the rest of the house because of its bold use of materials and geometric form. While the middle or ground level is almost considered invisible against its backdrop. These two form envelopes by there stark constrast of each other. These two levels are also split into to different areas when looking at wayfinding. The glass box in the middle is used as communal and public areas throught the house while the solid box on the top level is where the clients private and personal areas are located.
• The design also uses containers in the vertical sense, not only as horizonal envelops. There are 3 main vertical containers in the Bordeaux house. These can clearly be seen in the sections of the house. The first is the elevator shaft which has a sky light at the top and allows the Husband, who is wheelchair bound to revolve around all three floors. The second veritcal container runs just the top two floors and is more of a skylight for the top box of the house. The final vertical container is the spiraling staircase that runs through the three levels of the house.

These containers, first horizontal for private vs public areas and vertical, for transportation and viewing, help define how the Bordeaux hosue works in regards to waymaking and way finding. Koolhaas has done this very effectively in his desings.

House as an Environmental Filter

The Bordeaux house has many features that help it contribute to being an environmental filter for the client. A few examples of these environmental filters include -

• Its use of glass on the middle level - this use of glass allows the view to be seen from all angles on this level on the house, while keeping out all the unwanted aspects of the environment such as wind, rain and snow.
• The Bordeaux house also has no eaves. This design decision shows the difference between designing for the nothern hemisphere house to that of a house in the southern hemisphere. As the house is situated in France the cooler climate allows for this design. This means that in the winter months more sunlight can enter the house keeping it warm.

From this it can be seen that the designer, Rem Koolhaus, has considered the house as an environmental filter when designing it.