* Residential Architecture: Off-grid itHouse by Taalman Koch

Residential Architecture: Off-grid itHouse by Taalman Koch: “..The itHouse is a design system developed by Taalman Koch that utilizes a series of components prefabricated off-site to better control the construction waste, labor, and quality of the finished product. Conceived as a small house with glass walls and open floor plan, the itHouse maximizes the relationship of the occupant to the surrounding landscape while minimizing the building’s impact on delicate site conditions..Energy efficiency is achieved in the itHouse through passive heating and cooling, utilizing site orientation and cross ventilation, radiant floor heating, hi-efficacy appliances & equipment and the use of solar photovoltaic & thermal panels..To further enhance the experience of living in a glass house, a graphic design is mapped to discreet areas of the glass walls, creating framed views, sun-shading screen patterns and privacy zones. Artists Sarah Morris and Liam Gillick custom designed the graphic outfit for the off-grid itHouse..”  Extensive glazing (as one may expect in a glass house, after all), natural light, views; lovely site; interesting interior visual textures, graphism; commendable contextual sensibility..

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image: © Art Gray; article: ”Off-grid itHouse / Taalman Koch” 01 Apr 2013. ArchDaily

* Residential Architecture: Blairgowrie House by Intermode

Residential Architecture: Blairgowrie House by Intermode: “..This residence is the latest modular housing project by Intermode. The house is located in the beachside town of Blairgowrie, 100km south of Melbourne. The site for the house is a narrow, sloping site, surrounded by native vegetation including Moonah trees and tea trees. This modular design is has a predominantly solid spine wall facing the south, while the long glazed elevation is orientated towards the northern views..The design brief for the Blairgowrie Residence was based on three key zones: 1. a kitchen, living and dining area located at the entrance of the house; 2. a separate bedroom and bathroom zone; 3. a central external entertainment zone bridging these other to areas with a glazed walkway..The owner of the Blairgowrie home is a Melbourne based retiree who already had a holiday house in the area but was keen to build a new home on a new block that would offer him a more modern and peaceful lifestyle. He approached Intermode seeking a home that would allow his family to engage with the local natural environment yet afford them privacy. They wanted to feel a sense of separation from the outside world..Intermode responded to the client brief by providing a solid entry into the home and positioning glazing in strategic areas to maximise views to private vistas. The home is ideally suited to its coastal location. Polished concrete floors keep the house cool in the hotter months and are easy to clean of sand and dirt brought in from the surroundings. Expansive decks support outside entertaining – an essential part of a coastal Australian lifestyle. The home is Intermode’s most successful home at maximising passive energy efficiency achieving a 7 star energy rating..”  Extensive glazing, natural light; passive energy efficiency; modular design..

See our posts on other modular homes by Intermode and Carr Design Group:

• Residential Architecture: Kyneton Residence by Intermode
• Residential Architecture: Country Victoria Modular House by Carr Design Group

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image: © Derek Swalwell; article: Alarcon , Jonathan . “Blairgowrie House / Intermode” 30 Oct 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/283801&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Six Mile Lake Cottage by Altius Architecture Inc.

Residential Architecture: Six Mile Lake Cottage by Altius Architecture Inc.: “..The cottage replaces an old seasonal A-frame that was interesting but did not offer a  reasonable opportunity for expansion or upgrade for year round use. The structure was however, dismantled by hand in order to salvage the long Douglas Fir lumber. The site is very unique and represents a prime example of the exposed glacial-formed Canadian Shield that gives this area it’s unique identity. The building is sited to reuse the area previously occupied by the old cottage, in turn minimizing the new building’s impact on the site. The additional footprint and organization of the new dwelling is informed by the granite shelves offered by the site, each of the floor levels hugs the natural terrain. Upon arrival from land the building appears as a single story though once inside it’s larger volumes are revealed as the spaces step down towards the lake..Sustainability Features: Early in the design stage, after gaining an intimate understanding of the site, we made the effort to minimize the new building’s footprint beyond that of the existing A-frame. In keeping with our philosophy of site-specific design we let the uniqueness of the site drive the design. No blasting. The result is a building completely engaged with it’s site and one that couldn’t exist anywhere else. This is our first goal for a building that treads lightly..As we consider the natural siting, we also pay close attention to desired passive solar heat gain in the winter and passive solar shading, natural ventilation for the summer. Design first, Technology second. Here, as with every project, we do as much as we can with the design of the building, before making up the difference with the most economically sensible system..”  Interesting form, materiality and interior volumes; extensive glazing, natural light, nature views; lovely site..

See our posts on two other homes by Altius Architecture Inc.:

• Residential Architecture: Clearview Residence by Altius Architecture Inc
• Residential Architecture: Lake Joseph Cottage by Altius Architecture Inc

image: © Ihor Pona; article: Arthitectural

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* Residential Architecture: Santa Ynez House by Fernau + Hartman Architects

Residential Architecture: Santa Ynez House by Fernau + Hartman Architects: “..The clients, one of whom is a working visual artist, are serious art collectors and former gallery owners. They wanted a small, energy-efficient home that engaged the landscape and embraced the rural setting. In addition to the basic requirements of a two bedroom house, they wanted a separate guest house/studio, outdoor rooms, pool and barbecue area. The site is in the Santa Ynez Valley in California. With a Mediterranean climate, it is hot and dry in the summer and fall, with warm to cold winters; noticeable cooling occurs at night throughout the year. At times strong western breezes prevail..Notched into a small bench on a steep hillside, the house was conceived of as a device to connect to the landscape; openings frame views near and far and blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor rooms. The main volume of the house is an east-west oriented wedge which functions as the dining/living space. The kitchen and master bedroom pierce this wedge and extend out to form protected courtyards on the north and south. The studio/guest house stands free of the main structure and defines and shelters the entry. Steel grating shades outdoor rooms, and operable wood screens provide shelter from western wind. Exterior shading combined with the thin building sections and generous openings keep the house cool despite extreme summer temperatures. Combined with site walls and trellis structures, the landscaping—composed of drought tolerant natives—further defines the outdoor rooms and makes a gradual transition into the natural landscape..”  Extensive glazing, abundant light, views; indoor / outdoor sensibility; interesting form and interior volumes and details; stylish interior decoration..

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image: © Richard Barnes; article: Gaete , Javier . “Santa Ynez House / Fernau + Hartman Architects” 04 Sep 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/268304&gt;