77- HOUSE FOR A COUPLE

‘In a small household shared by two, the most important problem which arises is the possibility that each may have too little opportunity for solitude or privacy.’


- Christopher Alexander, A Pattern Language, House for a Couple

A couple looks for a shared realm where they can grow together. But it is important for an individual not to become too attached to the others identity, or the couples identity. Each partner needs space. Therefore, it is essential that a house for a couple needs to have a shared space, along with personal spaces. 


For the residents in the City House having a workspace is important. When designing a house for a working couple I want to make sure both the ‘working’ and ‘couple’ aspects are thought about. I want to create a space where both individuals can withdraw to if needed and feel a sense of peace in. But they should also be able to work undisturbed and be comfortable to take calls in this space. It will be interesting to see how to find a balance in that since they’re not exactly coexisting principles. My aim is to design for a couple, but keep the individuals in mind.              



‘People will not feel comfortable in their houses unless a group of houses forms a cluster, with the public land between them jointly owned by all the householders.’


- Christopher Alexander, A Pattern Language, House Cluster

In chapter ‘House Cluster’ it also dives into the importance of a well designed house cluster and how this social connection with the people living around you is necessary. People gradually shape the land to their needs over time. The space outside your cluster houses is an important ground for neighbourhood needs and social interaction. It should shape a safe and overlooked space. So for my project, instead of having a singular house on the rooftop, it will shape more like a cluster, where the residents can collaborate on the remaining space. This will ensure social interactions and a personalisation of space for their arising needs.


         



DESK RESEARCH

EAMES HOUSE

The Eames House, Charles and Ray Eames, Los Angeles, 1949.

  • Built by the Eames couple for the Arts & Architecture Case Study (No. 8) program, it later became their own house. The Case Study House program commissioned major architects of the time to build efficient and inexpensive homes in the United States. This was during the housing boom in the US, caused by the end of World War ll.

  • The house was built using prefabricated materials, this way the site won’t be interrupted, it's easier to build and it will still exhibit a modern style.

  • Two buildings make up this house, though functionally they are different. One is the residence and the other serves as a studio. Their own way of balancing work and private life.

  • The interior contrasts the cold steel framing of the exterior, the inside is warm and comforting. Ceiling high windows covered with curtains let in natural soft light.

“The house would make no demands for itself and would serve as a background for life in work, with nature as a shock absorber.”


- Charles Eames

FIELD RESEARCH

DE KLEINE BURG

De Kleine Burg, Rotterdam

  • De Kleine Burg is a small village of 12 permanently inhabited tiny houses, located in the south of Rotterdam. They originally had 11 households, but last year another tiny house moved in. The types of households vary, from a solo household to parents with children to an elderly couple.

  • The whole village is off-grid, no connections to electricity, gas, sewage, etc.

  • Rainwater is captured by the roof-gutters and in most cases, stored and filtered in a water tank underneath or next to the tiny house. 

  • Solar panels on top of the tiny houses are used to harness energy. This energy is then gathered in a separate building, where it is then shared with the residents. A so-called ‘smart grid’. They can each keep a look on the stored energy through an app. In the summer, when there's more sun, they can also use this electricity to cook with.

  • Most people keep their house warm in winter with a wood-burning stove, though some still question the environmental damage. There's also people who will purchase gas tanks, for heating but also to cook with.

  • Everyone built their own tiny house, many using second hand or rejected materials. Some tiny houses are on wheels, but most people decided for a more permanent tiny house, where it can only be moved with a crane.

  • The municipality gave them 10 years to live there and use the grounds, soon almost 4 year since the start of the project.