Maison a Bordeaux: Falls Residence

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:

Living Area
Dining Area
Preparing Food
Working Space
Reflecting Space
Ablution Space
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.