* Residential Architecture: House in Monasterios by Ramon Esteve

Residential Architecture: House in Monasterios by Ramon Esteve: “..The house is located in an elevated area, from which it dominates a hillside leading down to the sea. This view marks the direction the walls will take and, in an abstract form, define the project. The house is structured as a compaction of volumes of varying heights, and the form established by the main walls..The articulating space volume of this sequence is obtained from opening courts and patios in the central space of the house. A series of open courtyards are formed, covered in its perimeter like an atrium, in search of the access to the house, obtaining different perceptions of the house..The views from any point intersect and are never interrupted along the permeable sequence at the end of which, limited between glass membranes, is the lobby. Thus, it creates an approach path that exposes the more intimate side of the house so that, once inside, you discover the long views over the hillside to the sea..Among the great defining walls, the space is closed with large glass panels protected with wooden movable planes, graduating the closing level of each piece..The housing program is focused very clearly in the direction marked by the walls, and volumes depend on the spatial hierarchy of spaces. Two wooden emerging volumes, materialized by the chimneys, mark the counterpoint to the horizontality that defines the entire house..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, views; interesting fenestration, interior details and materiality..

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image: © Mayte Piera; article: ”House in Monasterios / Ramon Esteve” 09 May 2013. ArchDaily

* Residential Architecture: Kerry House by Carson and Crushell Architects

Residential Architecture: Kerry House by Carson and Crushell Architects: “..This project is a major reworking of a dilapidated 1960′s bungalow overlooking Kenmare River, Kenmare, Ireland. The structure was wrapped in a thick insulated render lining with high performance glazing fitted flush into existing and newly made openings. All internal rooms were reorganised, improving relationships between the bedrooms and their new en-suites and the relocated kitchen, dining room and central courtyard. In addition, a terrace and long bench of Kilkenny limestone were made to extend the living spaces into the landscape..”  Extensive glazing, natural light; interesting contemporary renovation and reworking of an existing structure..

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image: Courtesy of Carson and Crushell Architects; article: ”Kerry House / Carson and Crushell Architects” 12 May 2013. ArchDaily

* Residential Architecture: Fairhaven Residence by John Wardle Architects

Residential Architecture: Fairhaven Residence by John Wardle Architects: “..The Fairhaven Beach House is located on top of the ridgeline above the Great Ocean Road on the Victorian coastline (Victoria, Australia). The site enjoys panoramic views over the southern ocean and surf beach below. The house winds around a protected central courtyard, which creates an outdoor space sheltered from the harsh prevailing winds. The form of the house is coiled and stepped around the courtyard. The living area doors and an oversized sliding kitchen window open up and integrate it with the house proper during fine weather..The spatial journey through the house from arrival to view is choreographed to increase anticipation before reaching the main living space. As you step beneath a cantilevered study into a dramatic vertical entry space, you become acutely aware of a number of twists and folds along its length that make the transformation into horizontal living space. The main window aperture matches the cinematic proportions of the ocean view..Materially the house is clad in a green-grey zinc cladding, for both its longevity and natural colouring that merges with the scrub and tea tree landscape. In contrast, the interior of the house is completely lined in timber (floors, walls, cabinetry and ceilings) to form an enclosure for living that its inhabitants become completely immersed within. The eye is then always drawn back to the outlook beyond..The proportions, orientation and dimensions of windows have been tailored to particular views and to reveal internal spaces. The design process has been one akin to scenography, bringing together sensory and spatial experiences to frame the theatre of inhabitation within..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, wonderful ocean views; interesting form, materiality, interior volumes and details..

See our posts on two other homes by John Wardle Architects:

• Residential Architecture: Queenscliff Residence by John Wardle Architects
• Residential Architecture: Shearers’ Quarters House by John Wardle Architects

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image: © Trevor Mein; article: ”Fairhaven Residence / John Wardle Architects” 07 May 2013. ArchDaily

* Residential Architecture: Apelle House by Marco Casagrande

Residential Architecture: Apelle House by Marco Casagrande: “..Apelle is a wooden one family house located in Karjaa – Finland. The building rests in a natural harbor like a boat in a sheltering pocket surrounded by bed rocks and trees..The interior space of Apelle is a continuous tube that grows gradually along the house and through the main opening and terrace into the forest. Along this axis the collective and private actions are tuned according to the times, functions and needs of the day and night.  The same space is used for everything from sleeping to eating and from socializing to work as a studio space or a gym. This kind of multi-functional space of “tupa” or “pirtti” is common in traditional Finnish architecture. A free standing cube serves for water with a sleeping loft on top..House Apelle is part of nature. The surrounding forest has been architecturally articulated into a shelter for a family of contemporary natives. The house is in the forest as much as the forest is in the house – the architecture is a mediator between the modern man and nature..Apelle is well insulated with wood based materials and during the harsh winters it heats up by thermal heating supported by two fire-places. The main building volume is structurally supported by a smaller volume on the side acting as an outrigger..Apelle is built by two local carpenters used to for building both houses and wooden boats. According to the carpenters, this is a boat..”  Interesting form, interior volumes, details, fenestration; indoor / outdoor and contextual sensibility..

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image: Courtesy of Marco Casagrande; article: ”Apelle / Marco Casagrande” 01 May 2013. ArchDaily