Issacson Davis Beach House Exemplar

As descirbed in my previous post the Isaacson/Davis Beach House is both visually appealing and a quite simplistic design Made from predominately timber materials it fits in perfectly into the context of the surrounding nature. The building has many key attributes in all areas of minimal environmental impact, container of human activities while also providing a raw, aesthetically appealing design.


Environmental Filter:

• Architecturally designed to create minimal disturbance on the natural environment due to the house being set above the ground upon concrete pillars. This in turn allows air to circulate beneath the structure and therefore providing natural cooling

• Although a basic constructional design, balconies, windows and extrusions are strategically placed to let optimal light filter through the house. These attributes also contribute highly in giving a feeling of being in and around the bushland that surrounds the building

• The house has been set so that light is utilized to its greatest use. This can be seen in how the living room and kitchen has been positioned to capture the setting sun, while the bedroom positioned to allow the morning sun to filter light in.
• In the construction process timber was locally sourced. The building is made up of several layers. The 'outer shell' is made from Western Red Cedar although left untreated on the outside, so that the weather could take its natural effect upon it, to further blend into its naturally surroundings, the inside remains oiled to not only preserve but to give a sense of warmth.

• Jarrah was used as the timber of choice for the outer decking due to its durability to the elements as well as giving a warm rich red colour. This is essential as the deck remains uncovered and provides access between the bedroom and living areas

Container Human Activities:

• The Issacson Davis House first and foremost is a holiday house and has been designed as a weekend/holiday retreat in which the owners can relax.

• The architects have design this house so that the living and sleeping areas are distinctively at opposite ends of the house.

• The location in which the Isaacson Davis House is situated provides much privacy as it is surrounded by bushland trees with minimal windows on either end to ensure invasion of privacy is somewhat non existent.

• The house is quite openly spaced out to give the user freedom with in house without feeling to confined.
  

• With the house containing many layers, most notably the weathered outer shell, sheltering the soft, warm inner shell in which human activities take place. This shell like construction gives a sense of containment, security and privacy while also providing a place of freedom, comfort and relaxation.
  

Delightful Experience:

• The Architect, John Wardle described the house design as a place that 'packs' and 'unpacks'. This could not describe the house any better. With intergrated large glass doors, layering of timber and glass, raised and lower spaces, open and enclosed windows and areas in which extend out over, and into the surrounding nature, it can be seen that his words of a house being able to 'pack' and 'unpack' rings true.

• With the bedroom featuring large open windows and door which face the rising giving a sense of waking up within the surrounding nature, while the raised living areas provide a perfect view of the afternoon setting sun.

• The use of long, horizontal windows allows the sun to filter beautifully inside while also giving a great view of outside. The timber used both inside and out give a feeling of warmth and comfort while giving the inhabitants a great sense of relaxation, peace and harmony