Part A, Tugan residence summary

Tugun Residence Summary


Delightful experience: The sculptural qualities of the buildings exterior symbolically mimic the waves of the sites context, beautiful in their minimalistic simplicity.  The rudimentary materials within the buildings construction are softened by the application of timbers and glass throughout the structure, creating this incredible juxtaposition of soft and hard materials within this minimalistic structure, allowing the sites stunning context to inhabit the house in the same way as the house inhabits the block.  The main living spaces take full advantage of stunning sea views, and the spaces open plan design allowing the occupants to take advantage of this stunning asset no matter their occupation throughout the day.  The intelligent use of luvers and doors in turn allow the space to open to the elements when desired, encouraging the occupants to not only see, but smell and feel the surrounding environment.


Environmental filters: The ground floor of this structure contains a variety of opening doors and luvers, allowing the space to open up and transform into an 'exterior' space when desired.  The placement of living and cooking spaces through this bottom area taking advantage of such flexibility in the spaces open plan design.  The long major hallway utilises cross ventilation as a major cooling technology throughout the entire ground floor, particularly effective due to its north-east alignment.  The planting of trees and shrubs to the south-east of the block helps to block out harsh winter breezes and summer sun, providing a more moderated environment.  All along the open north-west side a plethora of windows and luvers along an offset wall are played along, allowing for careful control of the internal environment of the structure, additionally no rooms are placed directly against this wall, the main corridor running down the house acting as an insulator against possible extremes in hot or cold.  Contrarily the south-east is predominantly shaded by a neighbouring property, and as such privacy is more of a concern than environmental conditions.

Container of human activites:  The primary public spaces are layed out for the occupant as they enter the house, the terrace expanding upon to the dining and living areas on the ground floor.  The open plan nature of these spaces, and their expansive feel, is further enhanced by the placement of an exterior fence, enhancing the percieved size of the ground floor.
Other rudimentary spaces such as the retreat, toilet, and kids play room are played out along the ground floor, allowing for easy access to guests.  Private spaces such as the bedrooms are then played along the upper floor, providing an extra sense of privacy and control in such higher placement, and removing the need for any guests to need to travel through them.  The ground floor is in turn raised from the street level, allowing for enjoyment of the open plan ground floor spaces with additional privacy from curious onlookers.