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Charles and Ray Eames

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:22:34 +0000

Yes, another TED talk I am so addicted to this site as it offer such a wonderful array of forward looking ideas. This talk is given by the grandson of Charles and Ray Eames. I would like to hi-light the a point that is made in this talk about the difference between design and style. This is so evident in all the magazines that we see the glossy images of very slick apartments and housing. Design is about the user and how things work, not to disregard the aesthetic value, but rather see it as only one part of the greater picture. Eames furniture today is very much seen in terms of style, an object to have for its aesthetics values, but as is explained here it is design to function and function well.

Daniel Libeskind’s 17 words of architectural inspiration.

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:28:22 +0000

After hearing this talk by Daniel Libeskind, I could not resist but post it here for you all. His architecture is challenging. Many architects themselves find it challenging. Weather you agree with him or disagree, there is no doubting his belief in what he is doing. This I find particularly inspiring. It is time to move beyond a beige.

Sustainable Mobbs

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:05:17 +0000

Today there are so many people sprucing sustainable design ideas and systems, most of which need to be reviewed very carefully to ensure that they are really benefiting the environment in the long run. Michael Mobbs was out there implementing this into his existing inner city terrace long before the hype. I also like his story because he was not a designer or even a builder to begin with, he was they average Joe who has done his research and implemented the changes that we all can if we have the will. No, it doesn’t stack up exclusively on an economical cost benefit analysis. The pay back does take time, but this is not the only reason to embark on such a project. Of cause if you simply do a google seach these days you can pull up some great resources such as these few below.

Architecture and bushfire do mix

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:40:49 +0000

Here in Australia we there has been much discussion since the Victorian Bush Fires in February about the design of houses to withstand a bush fire. Short of design houses as bunkers for the possible unfortunate situation that may arise there are positive steps that can be taken to make you house resistant to fire. This video demonstrate a house that has done just that. It also demonstrates that life style does not have to be compromised and you can live with the this landscape. Check out the video by click the link above and let us all know what you think.

Design like and Architect

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:29:39 +0000

This video is an interesting insight into the aspects of architectural design and how a design may reference a number of areas. I would also suggest that there is much of the process not shown in this video also. The numerous variations that probably developed test various other ideas that did not see make it the the final design. That said this process can also develop quite quickly at times also, but is rarely by a strike of lighting that an amazing idea is complete and placed on paper. Hope you enjoy this video, and please post your take on this information in the comments section below? would love to hear other opinions.

Are new ‘Green’ buildings necessary?

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:24:15 +0000

Before we progress too go too much further with this blog I feel I have to state my position on the whole sustainable issue. In the building industry at the present time there is much ‘lip service’ given to sustainable design, there is also some great ideas that have come from the thing about the need to conserve energy and protect the environment. This said, we must not forget that playing a part in the industry, or requesting a building to be designed and built on your behalf; we are fundamentally consuming products and having an impact on the environment! If we can design building to consume less, or even feed a little energy back into the grid, this is great. First,however, the question must be asked, do we need a new building at all? or there ways of reworking our current house or property to suit our need for today and into the future? not simple renovation or extension, but radical rethinking.

The difficulty faced is that it is easier and cheaper to just knock down and rebuild…… but is this the best solution? In my opinion a building is like the proverbial glass of wine, they do get better with age. They do change over time to suit the needs of different occupants and for this they grow richer. There is nothing that can replace the character gained through passage of time. This will means excepting that it may not look like the latest and greatest ‘Macmansion‘, but hey, ‘I think that is a good thing’. I do mean we take any house, whether it is a fine architect design from the turn of the century to the cheap 1980’s developer special. Working with and building on the character of the existing building will always offer a richness and expression never achieved from a blank canvas. There is no need to be nostalgic about the past, in fact richness could come in the form of blatant disrespect of it, either way, it still makes up a layer of depth to the project.

If we could first take our existing homes and work with them, it will also benefit the environment. This is not the easy option, nor often the cheapest option, but it is the best option. If this means pulling apart the existing house piece by piece and rebuilding it with the same materials, why not, what a great driver for an idea of a home. This could well become a work of art.

Sydney Design 09

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:28:57 +0000

There is no other better place to start thinking about design then to experience the work of others. This gives inspiration to move forward and create for yourself. If you are in the Sydney, Australia in the first two weeks of August you will in time for Sydney Design 09. As part of this 2 week even the doors are open to Boyd Education Centre designed by Glenn Murcutt, Wendy Lewin and Reg Lar. For those of you not in sunny Sydney for these dates, but still would like to check out some of the architectural sights, the AAA also conduct tour all year round.

Sliding House Part 2

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:21:05 +0000

After a recent discussion with a friend about the sliding house, it became clear there are many questions that are unanswered by simply posting this clip to designCite. The comment was:

“I’m not convinced that this amount of glass would work in our Aussie sun, but I’m in love with the concept!”

So I thought it best to explain what it is I like about this house. Of cause this is only based on what we see in this video, I have little more knowlege of the project beyond this.

1. Response to a Brief

It is apparent from this video the owner was out to put a challenge the architect. With an opening link to a brief of “we are prepared to be radical”. This is very exciting as an architect to find a client like this, however it is also daunting. I believe that this house was able fulfill this in a very original way.

2. Context

Obviously this is a green field site, and one of beauty from what we see. This resulting house takes advantage of this with the extensive use of glass, immersing the occupants into the landscape, but also allowing them privacey or shelter from the sun when they choose. It should be noted that even when the roof is drawn, there are very strategic openings framing view of the countryside.

3. Form

The form as suggested is a play on the local housing vernacular, derived from the 45° pitch roof and use of timber cladding, in a contemporary way.

So back to my friends comment, would this work in Australia? No it could not take this house out of it’s context and expect it to preform here in Australia. Could the basic ideas of this house work in Australia? Yes very much so, but it would be something very different given the Australian context.

Click here to see orginal post.

Designing dream your home? Where do you start?

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:47:53 +0000

So you have bought your land and have been looking at many house designs and may have even worked out a list of requirements for your dream house. The question now is how to get this list onto paper and into a form that you can realise your dream. From this point there are a number of options available to you.

1. Architect designed

An architect is able to offer the most comprehensive design service. From helping you develope you a brief (i.e. what you really want), negotiating with authorities, designing the building, drawing (or what is known as documenting the building) to contract administration (i.e holding the builder accountable and deliver what has been requested by the design documents). An architect can be engaged to do all or any part of these services. In the residential market architects offer the greatest value where there maybe a complex brief or site that requires a unique solution. A good architect is able to work within a given budget and alert you to any choices made that will impact on the final cost, giving a level of control.

2. A building design service

Typically building designers are skilled at taking your design requirements and developing them into technical drawings to submit for planning approval to the local authorities and subsequently built from. Design skill will vary greatly; however your typical family house may well be within capabilities of someone experienced in the field and offers an economical way of developing your design to be built. This can be an economical way of having you own design to the point of construction. The upside is that you will have control of the design and the downside is a guide or control on the final budget.

3. A design and build

Many construction companies and builders offer a design service which they then build the resulting design for you. The design services of this type of company with vary greatly also. Some will employ architects, others draftspeople or building designers. Typically this can be quite efficient, but you may lack control over the final outcome and have terms of the contract handed to you with little room to move.

4. Pre-designed/ home and land package

These are offered by developers also known as MacMansions. This option will offer the lowest cost per m². This is often to the detriment of the overall design. This will require you to fit your dream house within the selection of designs on offer with minimal flexibility; however this can not ignored as an option as they gain allot through economies of scale by the developer. This category would also include prefabricated houses, ready to be placed on you land and services consented. Design and quality of these of cause can vary wildly, with some well design offerings from architects out there amongst many poorer quality design also.

YouTube – Wallpaper* ‘Sliding House’

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:15:19 +0000

Welcome to designCite, while preparing some content for the future blogs I stumbled across this stunning house and just have to share it. Please be inspired, and start saving your pennies and maybe one day we can speak about a similar project for yourself.

Enjoy.