Cabin 3D Isometric View

The rooms are placed strategically around the house to optimize the various natural elements that occur at Mt Methodology. Rooms that are occupied the least are placed on the western side, such as the bathroom and bedroom, with maximum protection from the harsh afternoon sun. The lounge is placed on the northern side, with filtered light to minimize the summer heat, but still allow warmth to protrude in winter. The kitchen and dining room are placed on the eastern side to receive the morning sun, when it is not used as much, and cooler when you are entertaining or cooking. The purest light comes from the south, so the patio/reflective area is place on the south with adequate fresh air penetration, but still shaded from the worst of the sun, and privacy kept intact.

Cabin South Elevation

The patio is a nice quiet place where one can reflect, contemplate, or entertain in. The house provides protection from the worst of the sun, and from the wind.

Cabin Section

The study area is placed in the house so as in the summer the sun is too perpendicular to the earth to get too much direct sunlight, but in the winter receive ample warmth.

Cabin Floor Plan

The floor plan is designed over 3 height levels to create 3 different spaces of hierarchy. The design revolves around the open patio on the southern side.

Site Plan

Placed the cabin near the road, and up the top. this position his a bit more height to the house, and where the contours straighten up.

Contour Map

The Samford house is down the bottom for privacy. The Canoe Reach Residence is adjacent to the stream, to emulate where it sat in accordance to the Brisbane River. My Cabin is the next lot up, utilizing the slope towards the stream. The Chicken Point Cabin sits on the highest lot to utilize the views given from there, as Chicken Point Cabin revolves around it's views.

Location Map

Mount Methodology. Location at the foot of the mountain, next to a stream.

My Design

I want to recreate the hierarchal positioning of the public and private spaces, and define the different areas by a level difference.

Samford House Isometric Outside

The Samford House is designed for privacy. The Architect has done that bluntly, with the design resembling a wall and a guard tower. Timber slats over the windows reduce the amount of heat that enters the building, but also block the viewer from the outside from seeing in. The House follows the concept the the client can see out, but nobody can see in.

Samford House Section/West Elevation

Western Side blocks sun. Limited windows on western side to counteract Queensland summer sun.

Reference: Bligh Graham Architects

Samford House Upper Floor Plan

The Samford house utilizes the roof space of the two garages. Both of these are used as roof gardens, and raised patios. The client can in the mornings and afternoons have a quiet getaway retreat. These patios are not visible from the ground level.

Reference: Bligh Graham Architects

Samford House Ground Floor Plan

Reference: Bligh Graham Architects

Samford House Basement Plan

The main living area is raised 800mm above ground level. This enables the basement to have high windows, and natural cross ventilation.

Reference: Bligh Graham Architects, Bligh Graham Architects, 2007, http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=2008049051, accessed 28/02/10

Samford House Site Plan

Reference: Bligh Graham Architects

The Samford House

All three designs are brilliant designs which I can both appreciate and admire. I have decide to selcet the Samford house. I like how it mixes history and nature to create a house. It is also self sustainable, and fits perfectly with it's environment.

Exemplar Canoe Reach Residence

The house utilises awnings and corridors to lead the viewer around the house. The public and private sections of the house are seperated by levels. Trees, boulders and bamboo fences create a natural border to neighbours. The house also uses architectural details to seperate different sections of the house.

Reference:http://architecture.com.au/awards/canoereachresidence_08, (accessed 28/02/10)

Exemplar Canoe Reach Residence

The house is constructed of timber, glass and steel to create a natural house that fits with it's surroundings. The house utilises a natural cross wind, with an open design. The western side is protected by double glazed windows and blinds. A huge 55000L water tank generates enough water for the house and garden.

Reference: http://architecture.com.au/awards/canoereachresidence_08, (accessed 28/02/10)

Exemplar Canoe Reach Residence

A creative design with panoramic views. Situated on the Brisbane River. The embankment blocks the views from the lower levels, but the upper level has beautiful views. The house is designed around an open, private raised courtyard.

Australian Institue of Architects, Canoe Reach Residence,

Reference: http://architecture.com.au/awards/canoereachresidence_08, (accessed 28/02/10)

Exemplar Samford House

This design is created for privacy. The building imitating a wall symbolises this. The House is designed in three hierachal parts. There is the basement, which is public, and also has access to a pool. The living area, which is raised, open, but private. And the third section is the backyard. All levels are joined by stairs and an elevator.

Reference: Bligh Graham Architects, http://BlighGrahamarchitects.com.au/samford_07, (accessed 01/03/10)

Exemplar Samford House

Constructed of Iron bark timber and concrete, this design imitates an early wall and tower perfectly. The house is fitted with a solar power system which provides more than needed power. The living area is built 800mm above the rest of the house to really seperate the hierachy of the house.

Bligh Graham Architects, Samford House, http://architecture.com.au/awards.search/samfordhouse_07, accessed (01/03/10), http://BlighGrahamarchitects.com.au/samford_07, (accessed 01/03/10)

Exemplar Samford house

An interesting design over three levels. The lower section has been designed to resemble a crumbling wall ruin, with plants grown over for added effect. The main living area has been constructed of timber, and dominates the area behind the wall resembling a guard tower. The design fits well with the semi bushland area.

Bligh Graham Architects, Samford House,

Reference: http://BlighGrahamarchitects.com.au/samford_07, (accessed 01/03/10)

Exemplar: Chicken Point Cabin

The floor plan is designed around the giant window. It is quite open, and easily accessible. The cabin can house ten people, with all rooms provided with a great view. Stairs to access the upper levels.

References: Olsen Kundig Architects, Chicken Point Cabin, http://OlsenKundigarchitects.com/projects/101/chickenpointcabin (accessed 01/03/10)

Kundig. T, Ngo. D, (2006)Tom Kundig : Houses, Seattle

Exemplar: Chicken Point Cabin

Constructed of raw materials, the Chicken Point Cabin merges into the setting naturally. The Architect has designed strong blocks of texture to define space, and direct the eye. A large steel fireplace is centrally located and dominates the main room.

References: Olsen Kundig Architects, Chicken Point Cabin, http://OlsenKundigarchitects.com/projects/101/chickenpointcabin (accessed 01/03/10)

Exemplar Chicken Point Cabin

The Chicken Point Cabin is a creative design in a simplistic way. So as not to take away from the phenominal surrounding environment, the cabin is designed around a huge glass wall which opens up to incorporate the views.

Olsen Kundig Architects, Chicken Point Cabin,

Reference: http://OlsenKundigarchitects.com/projects/101/chickenpointcabin (accessed 01/03/10)

Exemplar Houses

Three houses jumped out at me as creative, original and designs that I admire. They are 3 designs are: The Samford House Chris Bligh
Chicken Point Cabin Tom Kundig
Canoe Reach Residence Brian Steendyk