House for One Hundred Years

Full description

Background: The work contributes to Architectural Design, specifically the identification of typological traits within established built environments, development of design techniques for translation of this information and its implementation utilising digital fabrication. The project adds to areas of research that have been explored by NMBW & Atelier BowWow, in their examination of typological information within existing built environments, C M Lee/Series Architects’ exploration of serial adaptation of typological models and Ronald Snooks exploration of the application of robotics in architectural design.

Contribution: Between 2013-18 the researcher designed a single-family residence located in North Melbourne. The project, surrounded by 19th and early 20th century brick warehouses, responds to this character by translating the historic warehouse ‘loft’ plan, providing column free interiors and strategically located services allowing for future adaptation and flexibility. Further, the researcher identified that facades of the historic warehouses around the site display increased surface articulation around windows & doors; subsequently developing a digital script that reinterpreted this trait, producing fields of increased surface articulation in a digital model of the project. This information was then used to fabricate moulds for precast concrete wall panels used as the principal structure of the project. The completed concrete skin references the brutalist tradition of articulated concrete through a contextual response that utilises digital design tools and fabrication.

Significance: The project was selected via independent peer review as a finalist in the 2024 World Architecture Festival Awards in the House & Villa (Urban) category. Further evidence of the impact of this work includes selection as the subject of a 45min television episode for Grand Designs Australia broadcast in Australia internationally. The project has also been published in disciplinary and mainstream media, including The Herald Sun newspaper, Habitas Living & Architecture AU.