The cabin is situated on the southern side of Smart Stream in Urban Utopia and is oreintated north for several reasons. By orientating the cabin in this direction, it enables the design to take advantage of the views of the water, creating a connection between the occupant and the environment. This connection was identified as a significant focus evident in the design of the Peninsula House and several other buildings designed by Sean Godsell. Due to this recurring theme, it was assumed that environmental engagement is an important value of the architect, therefore becoming a primary focus in the design of the cabin. He also considers the need to protect the occupant from the environment and the weather at certain times, hence the use of shutters that can be opened and closed as the user desires being used in the design of this cabin. The blur of distinction between the function of elements is also a theme recreated by the design of a timber platform with the ability to be either pulled up or pushed down, functioning as either a wall or verandah, either protecting from or engaging with the environment.
The large openings on the northern side fo the small building help to take advantage of the breezes which predominantly come from the north and east directions during the warmer months of the year. There are small openings on the southern side of the building which allow the air to escape, promoting adequate ventilation. The use of small openings on the southern side also protects the building from cold winds in the winter months.
Northward orientation also addressed the seasonal change in temperature by taking advantage of the sun's warmth with its lower angle in winter and protection from the heat in summer when the sun is at a higher angle.
As the user's connection with the environment was a significant focus of the cabin's design, it was important that as many of the psaces within the home had access to the views of the water. by spacing the rooms over three levels, the was able to be achived with the workspace and bathroom receiving minimal yet still some views of the water with the installation of small windows inside the inner walls.
The conecpt of "Moya" & "Hisashi" was explored and abstracted with small voids creating a speration between the inner levels which create the rooms/spaces and the outer shell of the building. The path of circulation throughout the building accentuates the sense of private and public space with the bedroom and bathroom forming the most inner part of the house and being able to be completley bypassed. The spiral effect also creates a sense of "orchestrated" circulation which was evident in the design of the Peninsula House and said to be a trademark of Sean Godsell designs (Helsel, 2003).
REFERENCES:
Helsel, S. (2003). Sean Godsell transforms a seemingly simple box, wrapping his PENINSULA HOUSE in a veil of slender wood battens, 191(4). Retrieved March 5, 2010, from Acedemic Search Elite database
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