The project brief
Main objectives
Based on a thorough study of the architectural principles of Adolf Loos (Austria, º 1870 – †1933) and of their evolution, a house had to be designed that accommodates the living and working of two adult partners. Within an anticipated urban setting, Loos’ principles must be critically studied and applied in a way with respect to his Raumplan concept as well as construction and light.
Vision and concept
Much of the built volume will be taken by working spaces as a consequence of both partners being working at home and one of them being a professional photographer. In-house professional activities of the inhabitants imply accessibility of the house for customers. This suggests a distinction of working and living volumes, but without separating them completely from each other.
The anticipated urban setting leads to a configuration of spaces which implies orientation of the living space to the garden and of the work area to the street. Since one imposed condition was to have the entrance at first level, the house was positioned at an incline with the lower side at the garden.
Final design
Spatial configuration according to the Raumplan
The final design was characterized by positioning the living and working spaces at the front and back of a centrally positioned open entrance and circulation area. A subtle sequential continuity between spaces was achieved further by introducing small variations in height between those spaces. By always maintaining the view through these spaces, a semi-transparent sequence between living and working was established. The living area was created at different levels and sub- levels, and is pointed towards the garden. All elements of the living space; dining room, salon and kitchen are in direct contact with each other through voids.
The window pattern is greatly influenced by the position of the different levels. Nevertheless, sufficient visual regularity could be achieved by creating a frisky grid-like pattern.
