01 | Rooms

To meet the current demand for housing in Sydney, changing and downsizing our lifestyle might temporarily fix the housing dilemma, in my opinion, producing a repeated set of tiny dark boxes with no consideration for the quality of spaces it generates; will never be the answer. We may reduce living spaces sizes while making room for simpler life pleasures, natural lights, fresh air and certainly more green spaces.

In our design approach we aim to produce a sustainable efficient dwelling with highly livable spaces inside and out for all seasons. By placing all rooms towards the north and with the integration of courtyards between rooms we guaranteed an adequate access to sunlight and daylight. The design layout provides all rooms with equitable access to natural light, fresh air and open private space. On the other hand, amenities are located in the south with operable facade to allow for cross ventilation along the floor plan plate. For the structural system we chose a steel structure with concrete slabs. Hydronically heated flooring brought greater heat gain to cold zones, voids and balconies let in the winter sun. We specified triple-glazed windows, to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption. Rainwater is celebrated and collected for consumption in heated floorings and gardens irrigation.

Beyond the scope of one’s self room itself, the project is designed to achieve social sustainability. The structure aims to provide intimate pockets of communal spaces. Elevating all private living rooms and semiprivate spaces above ground frees up more open space that allows for semipublic interaction, providing gardens for casual gathering and communal activities, and giving minimum infrastructure which is left for user’s interpretation.

The design aims to accomplish environmental harmony by respecting the site contour rather than opposing it. It represents an aesthetic icon that promotes sustainability and celebrates every particular sustainable approach on-site; to inspire its users to embrace and protect its beauty and native environment, and hopefully, adopt some of its features in their way of living.