'Chicken Point Cabin' by Tom Kundig, 'Bark Studio House' by Bark Design Architects and 'Dunbar' by Jennifer Taylor and James Conner are all outstanding housing designs with exquisite uniqueness. This blog however intends to depict the theory that although all the designs are obviously different they all share three important design elements, being; a house is an environmental filter, a house is a container of human activities and an house is a delightful experience. This theory is further explored below.
Exemplar 1: Chicken Point Cabin by Tom Kundig
Exemplar 1: Chicken Point Cabin by Tom Kundig
A house as an environmental filter- Nestled into the country side Chicken Point Cabin has taken full advantage of its natural climate and beautiful landscape. Situated just North above Hayden Lake, its purposeful orientation not only exposes it to the perfect amount of sunlight but also an uninterrupted panoramic view. Kundig invites these natural elements into the cabin through the elevated roof design, the continuous ribbon of glass windows and a large mechanically operated opening. These aspects allow the available sunlight and the natural windflow to be manipulated and directed into specific elements of the cabin, making it appropriate for all four seasons.
A house is a container of human activities- Chicken Point Cabin's functional and spacious layout offer its 4 residents flexibility in terms of visitors, with the cabin having the capacity to occupy up to 10 people. When desired additional space can created using the mechanically designed 'gizmo' door that literally allows the cabin's interior to expand outdoors. Furthermore, the cabin's layout see's many its rooms open out to one another except for the master bedroom which remains separated. Located on the upper floor the master bedroom can only be accessed from a single set of stairs, offering its residents sufficient privacy whilst the rest of the cabin remains host to a variety of activities.
A house is a delightful experience- Chicken Point Cabin has been designed to take it residents and visitors on a dramatic journey. From the front door the observer automatically becomes a participant as the elongated entrance is abruptly interrupted by the stairs, suggesting a decisional move. But what forces the participant to think more is the contrasting built environment that contradictively blends in with the natural elements surrounding. Furthermore, Kundig's unique 'gizmo' door works to heighten the participants experience as the cabins main space is interactively opened, exposing its dramatic connection to the extravagant outside realm.
Reference List
E-architects. (2002). Tom Kundig, Architect: architecture information. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.e-architect.co.uk/architects/tom_kundig_architect.htm
Exemplar 2: Bark Studio House by Bark DesignE-architects. (2002). Tom Kundig, Architect: architecture information. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.e-architect.co.uk/architects/tom_kundig_architect.htm
Ngo, D. (2006). Tom Kundig: houses. New York, Princeton: Architectural Press.
Olson Kundig Architects. (2002). Chicken Point Cabin. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.olsonkundigarchitects.com/Projects/101/Chicken-Point-Cabin
Viladas, P. (2003). Open House. The New York Times. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/13/magazine/open-house.html
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A house as an environmental filter- The entire staff at Bark Design have a strong ethos for sustainable design which is obvious in the outcome of Bark Studio House. Elevated between two mature Bloodwood trees, the studio requires only four steel footings for support, thus leaving minimal footprint on the site. The north, east and south walls consist of mostly fixed glazing and function to open up entirely, making the most of natural light during the day. Whilst the west wall is made-up of clad in plywood, which helps to protect the occupants from the western sunsets. Additionally, the studio's orientation allows it to take full advantage of the prevailing easterly winds transforming the linear workspace into an open verandah.
A house is a container of human activities- The Bark Studio House was designed specifically to function as a container of human activities. Hosting a small team of architects, Bark Studio House holds true to its purpose. The unique studio consists of spacious specifically designed workstations that face eastwards towards views of the sea. A small galley style kitchen and a fully equip bathroom is also provided for the workers, accommodating for overnight stays. Furthermore, the studio allows for a place to relax, read and reflect, proving that this studio has been thoughtfully designed for its occupants.
A house is a delightful experience- The position of the studio high on a hinterland climb allows magnificent views down to the Pacific Ocean, creating an inspiring and thought-provoking environment for its occupants. Although designed specifically as a workspace the studio alludes the experience of a daily bush-walk by stimulating its occupants senses. This experience is firstly offered by the studio's continuous use of natural materials such as ply sheeting and timber decking that work to reflect the surrounding eucalyptus forest. And secondly, via the studio's operable glass wall that literally allow its occupants to feel, smell and hear it's connection with nature.
Reference List
Atkins, L., & Guthrie, S. (2006). Bark Deign: Studio House. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia: Ume.
Bark Design Architects. (2011). Commercial Projects: Bark Studio. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from
Ciliento, K. (2010). The Studio of Bark Design Architects. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.archdaily.com/39543/the-studio-of-bark-design-architects/
Contemporist. (2009). The Studio of Bark Design Architects. Retrieved March 4, 2011 from http://www.contemporist.com/2009/10/24/the-studio-of-bark-design-architects/#more-6023
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