Hieron House

Brief

For this assessment we explored the spatial typologies discussed by Alexander Purves in “The Persistence of Formal Patterns in Architecture” to inform our design of a small dwellings for human habitation.

One of our peers acted as the client (house for 3/4 people) and the design had to include space for living, cooking, washing (body and clothes), eating, and two rooms for sleeping/reading, studying working or other activities. The house had to conform to the chosen typology and include a second floor that was smaller/larger than the ground floor, and have an internal staircase.

Chosen Typology: Temenos (Centric)

Proposed Site: 19 Catherine Street, Subiaco WA

Submission: October 2021

Overview

Subiaco is known for its high quality fashion stores, public art trail, multicultural dining, community events, and tree-lined streets. It has a diverse range of architecture, including the heritage listed “Bishop’s Row” of Victorian Terraces on Catherine St (opposite the proposed site), and the heritage listed Regal Theatre and Subiaco Hotel. The proposed site is located on a one-way street heading north and is a short walk from the local train station and Rokeby St (main street).

The proposed client is a family of 4 and requested the kitchen be the main hub of the house, within a multi-use living space. The client grew up on a farm in New Zealand and his father was a Woodwork teacher. As a child

he loved to visit his dad’s workshop and see, smell and feel the timber so he wants some wants timber included but not on every surface. The client has also requested a combined bathroom and laundry to save space, and views from every room. Additionally, they requested a modern building with high ceilings, plenty of daylight and a quiet space to work from home if needed. The 5yr old needs plenty of room to run around and the parents would appreciate a quiet nook to read a book/magazine when he needs some time-out.

Concept

This structure has been named ‘Hieron’ (sacred space) which comes from the original meaning of the Greek word Temenos. A Temenos structure is traditionally surrounded by walls that enclose an area, and this is the basis for my design.

There are large walls surrounding the entire structure and sit on the boundary lines of the proposed site, and views from every room into at least one of the seven separate outdoor spaces. There is a thin, steel frame covering a large portion of the structure that will be covered with deciduous vines to shade the building in summer, whilst allowing direct sunlight into the building when the leaves fall in winter. The frame also serves to give the residents privacy from their neighbors, especially the large building now located behind the property.

There is a double height, open plan living space that caters for the client’s demand for a multi-use living area, and openings on all sides of the structure at differing heights and shapes to allow natural lighting and ventilation.