1C - Written Component of the Cabin Design

The cabin design follows the concepts and ideas present within the exemplar house, 33rd Lane designed by Geoffrey Bawa that exemplifies the notions that the house is an environmental filter, a container of human activities and a delightful experience.

As in the Bawa House, my proposed cabin design has an intimate connection with nature, where each defined space has a relationship with the exterior demonstrating a relationship both spaces are embraced and exist harmoniously. Despite the 500 metre square site allowance, I have chosen to make my cabin site a lot smaller so as to continue the idea of an intimate, up-close connection with nature, and containing this experience to the confines of the site. Unlike most architectural experiences the views and experiences are confined to the boundaries of the Bawa House so I had to find a way to 'restrict’ the interference of the outside, whilst still being aware of its presence. The views that my cabin offers are of the surrounding natural paradise. Each room opens up to the courtyard spaces and concurrently each courtyard fills each room with greenery, natural scents and offers shading. The courtyards also act as filters of the environment as they repel noise, ensure privacy from neighbours and purify air. Meandering through these tropical gardens offers an experience which is both peaceful and delightful. The ambience of the courtyards creates a sense of place which is pleasant and serene. The shade of a tree or a hidden wooden chair overlooking a small pond creates private spots for reflection, contemplation or relaxation. One may venture out into the north-east courtyard and find the reflection area, a 'wooden cage' that is inspired by a room in the Bawa House. Sunlight penetrates through the openings in the walls creating dispersing a spattering of light within the small seated area and also allows one to look out beyond the site to resplendent views of the city, river, and falls.

The axis within the house directs the movement through the house as well as their views. The axis have been positioned to allow one to walk fluidly from one end of the house to the other and influence how one might move around and experience each succeeding space so as to fulfil the designers intent. The cabin utilises the lines of axis throughout the house to create an adequate flow of air, lines of sight and destination points as one journeys through the space. The first main line runs through the front door, through the living room and kitchen and outside into the courtyard and reflection area on the opposite side of the house. The second runs through the ‘private spaces’ and sitting area where a view of the bedroom and courtyard beyond can be seen from the studio. This creates a delightful experience for the viewer.

Elements of the macro-environment have been considered throughout the design and various solutions have evolved and have been implicated in the design in regards to the house being an environmental filter. I wanted to implicate Geoffrey Bawas’ philosophy in my design where building and landscape exist as one harmonious whole and are constantly interacting with each other. The plan has been designed along specific axis so that each may harness the wind flow. The rotated rectangle has been positioned to catch the air flowing from the valley so that it may be channelled through the main living spaces. Heavy vegetation and shading on the west side protects the viewer from the harsh sun in a sub-tropical climate. The overall design is environmentally sustainable, where the surrounding landscape has been used advantageously and controlled in a desirable way so as to benefit the design. Wooden panels extending over the west facade of the house, as well as outward from the sitting room ceiling mediate light and further protect the inhabitants from the sun. It is these two facades of the cabin that are subjected to the most exposure to the sun. The architects’ studio has been positioned intentionally on the south-east corner of the house to take full advantage of the morning sun and the constant daily light that is offered by these directions to create the ideal working space. In the exemplar house, 33^rd lane, the pitched roof is a dominant feature in the design as it aids the ventilation flow in the house. I did not integrate a pitched roof into my design but instead chose to implement this roof types’ abilities and instead incorporated it into the courtyard. On the south-east corner one may wander along a long, narrow walkway that provides a pleasant, shaded journey through the respective courtyards, whilst also channelling wind down this backyard corner. The alternative to the pitched roof design was a flat green roof, inspired by the rooftop garden and form of the front facade of the Bawa House. “A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants”( National Research Council, Institute for Research in Construction). A green roof involves a "contained" green space on top of the cabin where this can provide a wide range of public and private benefits.

Principal Green Roof Technology Components .

Source: National Research Council, Institute for Research in Construction

For more information about green roofs click here.

The Floor plan of the house comprises a succession of spaces that all interconnect and relate to one another. Given the size constraints, the complexity of the Bawa House floor plan could not be continued in my cabin design, however its basic principles have been carried on. The series of rooms exist together on plan but remain independent of each other. The spatial adjacencies are dependent on private and public area. These have been grouped together on the plan, as was done in 33^rd Lane. The private spaces still remain present as they are central to the plan. The dining room, living room and kitchen are open to each other to allow for fluidity of movement and interaction within the house. The axis determine the main circulation paths though these public living areas, as well as linking the private areas to the public areas and the courtyards. The bedroom may not appear connected at first, where doors sectioned it off as desired, but it is very much present in a subtle way – it is the heart of the plan. The bedroom remains internal and central to the plan and still has a strong presence within the house despite at times being hidden. The toilet is connected to the bedroom, as was done in 33^rd Lane to allow discretion in a small residence. The courtyards have a strong connection to all areas within the site, whether it be a public or private area. The courtyards and the interaction between the landscape and built environment is a dominant theme in the cabin design which has been adapted from the exemplar architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The integration of these courtyard areas into the design establishes a unique haven and creates a strong sense of place for living in.