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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. Merricks House in Melbourne, VIC, Australia by Aktis ArchitectsMay 22nd, 2023 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Aktis Architects The design of this project was a journey of discovery. The original concept was half submerged into the rise of the landscape. As the concept navigated all the challenging conditions of site / environment and budget, a contradictory strategy emerged. There seemed no reason to hide the building in the landscape. It was located in a rural setting, not in a natural forest. The building took on a monumental form of materiality and structure, anchored with unapologetic strength of presence into its landscape.  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye
 Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye The site was predominantly flat with a height level change of approximately three meters along its northern side. This is where the building was set. Apart from the need to locate the building above the flood plain, the orientation of the site presented a design challenge. With expansive views across native vegetation to the south, the architectural response was to open the house to these views and simultaneously create the opportunity of introducing skylights and courtyards to wash the interior with northern sunlight.  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye The building is composed of two interconnected raking roofs, each sitting above a masonry box. The spatial planning and a concrete and steel structure and framing system, give the building its visual strength and define the architectural language. The raw materiality of the structure continues in the treatment of both interior and exterior finishes which reflect the client’s desire for raw and natural materials (timber, stone, concrete and steel) in lieu of plasterboard or painted surfaces. Masonry elements define the form of the building while timber is used extensively to inject richness and warmth into the interior spaces. Skylights and courtyards bring northern light into the building.  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye The plan provides for a linear configuration of spaces which eliminates circulation areas and corridors. The structural grid system creates a sense of order whereby the building sits in contrast to the landscape. The colonnade of columns, which run along the long face of the building, is separated by expansive windows which contrast to the strong masonry forms elsewhere.  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye  Image Courtesy © Timothy Kaye
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Tags: Australia, Melbourne, VIC Categories: House, Residential |
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