The Orange Cube

THE ORANGE CUBE

The Orange Cube is a tertiary institution design by Jakob and McFarlane Architects. The building consist of a volumetric cube that has a conical opening cut out of it.

The building displays interesting planning, volumes and material qualities. The skin of the building is made up of a membrane with various openings cut out of it. This manipulates light into the building, views out of the building and also creates an interesting aesthetic.

Such a skin treatment would be effective on the northern facade of the proposed structure for project 3.

Images of the building are shown below.

Images sourced from:

http://www.archdaily.com/111341/the-orange-cube-jakob-macfarlane-architects/

Stamp House

STAMP HOUSE

The Stamp House is a unique, sculptural concrete building. 

The use of concrete in a residential building is not too common, and the dominance that it has in the Stamp house is quite eye catching. 

The house displays a sculptural, angular form that is accentuated and emphasised by the concrete. The use of concrete is also more surprising given the location in Queensland. However, it is justified by the fact that the house needs to withstand cyclones and tropical storms. 

The spatial layout and siting of the house are also unique features of the design and the manner in which various elements hover off the ground is interesting. 

Cantilevers and other similar aspects are elements of the design that can be explored in project 3. 

Images of the house are shown below.

More information and images at:

http://www.archdaily.com/335695/stamp-house-charles-wright-architects/

Operable Facade Pittwater

OPERABLE FACADE PITTWATER

This design by Andrew Burgess uses a unique facade to blur the line between internal and external spaces and redefine the function of the building facade.

The house employs an interesting facade treatment, that is made up of a series of timber panels that open up to expose views and allow light and ventilation into the building.Opening these shutters effectively removes a wall from the building and the effect is obvious. 

The material selection is also aesthetic and functional. Timber allows the shutters to be lightweight and somewhat permeable.

A similar device or facade treatment could be used in project 3. This would allow the internal spaces and activities to be carried out into courtyards and other similar spaces. 

Images of the house are shown below.

Images sourced from:

https://entry.housesawards.com.au/gallery/2013/2/294

Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre

GABRIELA MISTRAL CULTURAL CENTRE

Designed by Cristian Fernandez Arquitectos and Lateral Arquitectura & Diseno the cultural centre is based around the concept of openess and transparency and provides a large public space that transforms the streetscape. 

The building is directly related to its surroundings and adresses the urban environment in various ways. The large elevated mass creates an interesting public space underneath it and the use of various materials amplifies the spatial qualities. 

The building uses aged metal and concrete as the main materials and the effect produced is aesthetically pleasing. 


Images of the building are shown below:

 

Images Sourced from:

http://www.archdaily.com/81725/gabriela-mistral-cultural-center-cristian-fernandez-arquitectos-lateral-arquitectura-diseno/ 

"Fancy" Retail Headquarters

"FANCY" RETAIL HEADQUARTERS

The Fancy retail headquarters displays a use of corrugated iron and timber, similar to the initial proposal for the workshop space in project 3. 

The building also has a large window that focuses views out, in a manner similar to the what is required in project 3. 

Images of the building are shown below. 

Images Sourced from: 

http://www.archdaily.com/374474/fancy-retail-headquarters-urban-platform/

Torquay House

TORQUAY HOUSE

This house is another great example of a beautiful timber facade. 

The timber slats manipulate the facade and create an interesting materiality. The house also provides an interesting contrast between concrete and timber and shows that this can provide an interesting aesthetic.

The house also possesses an interesting form and is made up of a number of rectangular prisms. These are arranged to create internal courtyard spaces and this is an element of the design that could be explored in project 3. 

Images Sourced from:

http://www.archdaily.com/335516/torquay-house-wolveridge-architects/

PROJECT 3- Spatial Layout Development

SPATIAL LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT.

An initial investigation into possible spatial layouts of the building was investigated. 

Given the fact that i i broke my wrist, the quality of the drawings is not the greatest, so please excuse the untidyness. 

The investigation focused on organising the spaces and grouping similar elements such as the services together in an attempt to free up the workshop and gallery spaces of unnecessary clutter and obstructions. The basic form was derived from the massing developments and the arcing building with 3 levels and 2 active rooftops was used as a base template. 

The various sketches developed are shown below. 
 *please note that all the images are upside down, blogger did this and there is no option to rotate them*

basic Block layout

The basic layout was based on a single level and focused on providing views back towards the city and activating the waterfront. 

Initial- Single level Arch layout.

The initial arched layout was also orientated around focusing views back towards the city. 

Detailed Arch Layout

The image above shows the allocation of spaces within the initial layout. The grouping of supporting spaces is noteworthy as is the riverfront public space. 

Exploration of singular spaces

The various spaces were then divided up so that they could be viewed in isolation. This helped me to understand what is needed in the building and refine the adjacencies. 

Initial Multi-Level Layout

This image shows the plan of the multiple levels and how they sit upon one another. 

Multi Level plan 2.

This plan explores the various rooftops and the basic layout of the building. 

Ground Floor Plan

The ground floor plan shows the allocation of spaces and the grouping of services. It also highlights the nature of the built form, and the fact that there are two different structures. The pathway and connection between the parkland and the riverfront public space is evident. 

1st Floor Plan

The first floor plan is made up of the gallery space and the rooftop deck above the public space. This image also shows possible access points to the space. 

3rd Floor Plan

The 3rd floor plan is another public space that consists of a cafe. This space is proposed to have great views and an open air, semi outdoor cafe space. 

POINTS TO FURTHER EXPLORE. 

This investigation has highlighted the need to resolve the circulation plans within the building and investigate access options to the various levels. The use of stairs could provide an interesting built form and an architectural element. The need for interesting infill solutions that make the most of the built form and the view out of the building is also an important element that needs to be considered. 

Meditterani 32

MEDITTERANI 32

Designed by Daniel Isern, the Meditterani 32 house is a perfect example of how raw materials can come together to create a beautiful building. 

The house displays an interesting use of timber finishes and raw concrete surfaces, along with large windows and outdoor areas to reinforce the connection to the environment. 

The aged timber wall finish provides a unique aesthetic and helps the house blend into its forest setting. 

Images are shown below. 

Images Sourced from:

http://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/mediterrani-32-by-isern/

Element House

ELEMENT HOUSE

Designed by Sami Rintala, this house has a strong relationship with its surroundings and an intriguing combination of materials. 

The house is made up of a series of blocks stacked and manipulated to create interesting opening and extrusions of the built form. The boxes are clad in either timber or metal and this combination creates an interesting materiality. 

The house frames views out and possesses a number of indoor/outdoor courtyard spaces. Openings in the built form manipulate light and create beautiful spaces within the structure. Elements such as these would be desirable in the project 3 design proposal. 

Images shown below. 

Images sourced from:

http://www.archdaily.com/1004/