Glowhouse

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Research Background: The practice of architecture is associated with the patronge of large institutions, commercial organisations and wealthy individuals. Architecture is not conventionally seen as being able to work in a low cost context, as this is odds with a culture focussing on the highly crafted and custom made building. Internationally, practices such as Rural Studio have sought to challenge this model through a combination of donated materials and self-build processes. Locally, architectural practice has not sufficiently engaged with such alternative means of producing architecture. Research Contribution The Glowhouse provides a case study in the producing architecture within highly limited means. The project, a children's 'Cubby' was designed and built using donated materials for a charity organisation. The traditional concerns of architecture; high quality finishes, crafted assembly and designer fixtures, were foregone for an inexpensive provision of space and an "off the (bunnings) shelf " tactility. Rather than attempt to create a normative architecture within these parameters - to see them as limits - the Glowhouse demonstrates the design opportunities that emerge from detaching architectural design from its conventional concerns. Research Significance The Glowhouse was exhibited in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show It was also published in Momentum, New Victorian Architecture, a major survey publication of recent contemporary architecture in Victoria, produced by the Office of the Victorian State Government Architect. This publication engaged nationally and internationally regarded architectural critcs to select and write upon architecture practices seen as providing a significant contribution to architectural design culture in Victoria