ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Sub Urban Sub Version in Dublin, Ireland by Box Urban architectsJune 8th, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Box Urban architects client’s requirement The client asked box urban architects to provide spacious accommodation for a growing family by extension to a house. Examination of the existing condition in conjunction with the brief indicated that replacing the house would be a more sustainable option.The design brief was to subvert the existing typically suburban spatial condition, to provide for a building of architectural quality informed by its context and provide flexible accommodation for a large family. The design intent was to accommodate best practice in lifetime design to promote physical, economic and social sustainability in a resilient built form with a robust spatial hierarchy.
Conceptual basis of the project. The building is set into a hill in a low density suburban neighbourhood. The form of the house is derived from the site geometry, and is permeated by structure and voids allowing daylight penetrate deep into the plan. Enclosure extends beyond the building lines to rear and front to create a private secure domain on an otherwise under-utilised piece of suburban ground. Passive surveillance is imbued by spatial depth between the public and private realms and ordered to give glimpses of the interior and private external spaces from without; this indicates to the stranger that there is a possibility of being watched while allowing sufficient view to the occupant from the interior to give a sense of security. Materials In situ concrete forms the floors and enclosing elements which contain reinforced structural columns and beams. This is wrapped externally with a proprietary insulation and rendering system. Further enclosure is provided by high performance thermal and solar reflecting glazing in aluminium frames which open to make a direct connection between the internal and external spaces. Roofs are sedum. All spaces are provided with under floor heating, Solar collectors at roof level provide hot water. A heat exchange system is used to provide fresh air to the interior. Glass concrete and timber are the primary construction materials. Spatial hierarchy. Approach to the building is through a series of thresholds which strengthen the perceived spatial depth. Spaces are defined by the placement of joinery. Moveable wall elements through out the building allow many permutations in spatial arrangement. Future proofing the building. Segregation between the private and the public realms inform the spatial hierarchy which is the guiding principal to establishing an ordered architecture. The building is an investigation of the diagonal relationship of spaces informed by the geometry and aspect of the site and its contribution, by layering, to security in the public realm. And privacy in the private domain. A truly urban agenda. Contact Box Urban architects and Box Urban architects
Categories: House, Residential |