ST.LUCIA HOUSE_ANALYSIS

St Lucia House;

“Firmness” in Design & “Environmental Filter”

In terms of “Firmness” within design, St Lucia House is justified homw with multiple theories and concepts upholding and enhancing its physical form. In terms of an environmental filter, St Lucia House envelops all aspects of innovative design and planning. This family home engages with the surrounding landscape in multiple ways; firstly the general consideration of Nature. A key element of how the user engages with Nature within this house is the clever “in-side/out-side” spaces created by various decks, windows and large screening doors. With that, the careful choice of materials and textures is simple and blends with the landscape and thus appears to completely unscathe the surroundings. These materials are economical and aesthetic, which allow for delightful, sustainability within the design, as well as natural heating and cooling. Another aspect of the house which acts as an environmental filter is the consideration of Macro and Micro Climates – both location and orientation of a given site .This could be the most vital deliberation within the initial design process as the requirement of unique sub-tropical design increases.The distinctive aspect of this design is the respect for existing landmarks – the 3 trees in the yard. The architect respected the static natural structures and molded the design around them, instead of simple removing them due to their obstruction.


“Commodity” in Design & “Container of Human Activity”

In terms of ‘commodity’ and a ‘container for human activity’ This house almost optimizes the notion of ‘function and form’. With no space being unused or left over this house is an ideal example as to how to use every aspect of space. Once again the simple materials and simple aesthetics – no over decorative aspects – enhance the space as an entity. This simplicity is also present throughout the plan and spatial sequencing of functional areas. Another element which ties in with that is the private/public spaces, which are both easily accessible, however cleverly hidden when required. A perfect example of this is seen on the second floor of the house where an entire wall opens to reveal the natural environment outside – alone with the windows – again this plays with the concepts of in-side/out-side space and enhances privacy vs. public areas and the interplay of both.


“Delight” in Design & “Delightful Experience”

In terms of delight many features of this house enhance experiences and revere elements of design. The design developed from Modernist principles of the 60’s and 70’s. Firstly and most prominently, the engagement with nature and the landscape, vegetation intertwined with the built environment. An obvious aspect of this is seen with the branches which wrap around the facades of the house, revealing and concealing areas of the house. This is particularly enhanced at night, when the tree becomes the silhouette and the house a lit up lantern. The simplicity of construction, materials and lack of decorative features allows the robust and dramatic elements to play against each other.That along with the sheer volume at moments and the unifying façade make this house both delightful inside and out.