Levels

Mullet house: Identifying space using levels

 The house has been divided excellently into different zones which serve different function,

1: the existing building, houses Bed rooms and bathrooms which are private areas,
2: upper level of extension houses living room and dinning
3: lower level extension houses a children's playroom, wine cellar, a laundry room and a bathroom.
 4: below living room is the parking space 
5: a terraced garden space


According to the architects, a passer-by has described the house as "formal up front with the party out the back".

The Mullet house uses levels to identify different areas within the extension. From the picture above you can see several levels in the house.

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The kitchen space is separated from the dinning and living room via a few stairs, having the kitchen lower means that while stood up working in the kitchen you will be at a similar eye level to anyone in the dinning and living room, which makes communication through the house work better, there are circular windows which link the kitchen to the floor beneath which houses the play room , meaning that while in the kitchen the parents can visually communicate with the children below and keep an eye on them. This use of levels means that while in in the kitchen space the person cooking can communicate on three levels.

This image shows the stairs leading down to the lower level which houses: a children's playroom, wine cellar, a laundry room and a bathroom. Which are all rooms which require less light and would not normally be used by guest, by using levels these can be kept separate.

 

 Play room below kitchen meaning that both child and parent can have visual contact and feel safe, 

out side the use of levels continues, 

The decking outside is kept at the same level as the interior this makes the outside space feel as though it is connected and part of the same space, again the circular sky lights are used to connect the people outside to the children in the play room, the sky lights also provide natural light to the play room.

From the looking at the use of levels and connections in this house I have tried to implement the design principles into my own design. If I use different levels to distinguish between certain space i will also try to keep the connections either visual, or hearing between the spaces. so that the house can all be connected. Connections are a key aspect I will try to establish in my design, to connect the occupants with each other as well as the house and the nature outside of the house.

Materials

Framing views

Framing views can make the most of the site and allow the correct amount of light into the site, the site does not have many great views so the use of large expanses of glass will not be beneficial as each of the views will be very similar a view of trees. so in order to make use of the limited views I think it would be better to frame the views or just glimpse the views, the views can also be used to maximise the light brought into the house, if by finding a view you can combine that view with a functional purpose of giving light to space that needs light the view will maximised.

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/11/01/casa-la-can%CC%83ada-by-ricardo-torrejon/

This house was designed by Chilean architect Ricardo Torrejón, from the picture you can see that the cubic form of the building is punctuated by "carvings instead of windows and openings."  these "carvings" create spaces on their own as well as letting in light and creating ventilation, The carvings also mean that the garden can be viewed throughout the house, which in turn means that light goes right through the house. The "carvings" also create unique spaces inside the house as some fit one person only, while others can fit more. 

Garden can be viewed right through the property. Keeping the resident in touch with nature and outside at all times, which is the designers intention. With my brief it would be necessary to at times limit the views to the outside to create an enclosed and insulated atmosphere.

Although I like the rear of the property I do not think it would work for my site as the site is dark at the rear so this must glass would be wasted, the views to the rear are not fantastic either so the large use of glass would be unnecessary. however I do like the thick black frames on some of the windows and doors which are used to frame particular views in the garden.

Another building that punctures the form with framed views is  Blairgowrie House by Wolveridge Architects http://www.archdaily.com/416856/blairgowrie-house-wolveridge-architects/

Photographs by © Ben Hosking

This building punctures the building façade  with block windows which appear to be in a random order on the façade , however inside the windows form part of the furniture and sets specific views from each of the rooms. It also gives each room an identity for each of the children that occupy them allowing them to create their own space.

A different arrangement in each room makes each room unique the windows again have multiply uses, allowing light to enter, creating views from the room and integrating with furniture and carpentry " creating a playful sense within each bedroom." 

The projects also punctures the ceiling with light that brings light into the property in the required areas, this roof light brings light into the corridor as well as creating a view while on the stairs it also helps to naturally light the room next to it.

I like the use of vertical timber to partially obscure the the light and create a separate space while also allowing the light from the roof to filter into the room. this also frames the view the occupants of the room have.

 In my design I have also included courtyards to help bring in light as well as creating spaces to enhance other spaces. This project also uses courtyards for similar reasons,

"To separate the bedrooms from the new living area a north facing courtyard was introduced which also provides a terrific outlook towards the surrounding Moonah forest."

The architects have used to courtyard to frame a specific view into the adjacent forrest, the view captures the top of one tree, and frames this really well, on our site i think it would also be a nice feature to try and capture one view in the courtyard.

levels