Domus Development

my group decided early on that for the desert site it would be ideal to go underground. we also decided that we needed a large roof to catch as much water as possible when it rains as this doesn't occur too often. due to the isolation of the site we thought it would be beneficial if we could find a way to make the design keep us cool during the day and warm at night. this is some development and initial ideas i came up with for the project, the thumbnail we decided to refine further is the top one on the last page.

Farnsworth House, Mies van der Rohe

Photo by James Smith. © James Smith
http://www.GreatBuildings.com/buildings/Farnsworth_House.html

Photo by James Smith. © James Smith
http://www.GreatBuildings.com/buildings/Farnsworth_House.html

Photo by Rosa M. Faes. © Rosa M. Faes
http://www.GreatBuildings.com/buildings/Farnsworth_House.html

The Farnsworth House relates to the concept of our building and we have similiarly applied similiar principles. We have a raised platform above the ground as our site is subject to flooding, as the Farnsworth House is. We have also tried to incorporate it into the site landscape. However, we do not use the materials used in the Farnsworth House as it is not appropriate for the tropical climate our site is located at.

Initial Site Location at the Top of a waterfall.





Decided to proceed with a curved roof profile. This was influenced by attempting to use conventional materials and construction methods to create something more visually interesting than the average. Also the curve compensates for the extreme wind conditions that impact on the site at Kakadu. The curve allowing the wind to travel and press down on the building rather than causing the undesired lifting effect.

From tuts, we gathered some more feedback where our roof seemed to be ornamental and didn't link into our actually living space so we decided to added a rear curved wall segment which was linked to the Framing system we are planning to use for our shutters.

For electricity, having the option of flowing water, we have decided to use "shrouded" underwater turbines which makes them more efficient, and less environmentally harmful. + the use of north facing solar panels to take advantage of the sun.

To deal with the extreme humidity, we have decided to go with the slatted + elevated flooring commonly used in Queensland housing.

Finally the main floorplan layout is indended to take advantage of the views and interaction with the surrounding environment.

Domus Refind Concepts

The image above is a diagram I came up with which shows the prime material used; rammed earth, and its benefits











The image above is a concept I believe that works well















An original concept idea of the capsules within the rammed earth, this however was an idea scrapped, for there was no room for an entry.









Another angle of a preferred layout of our rammed earth complex. Note the flora located INSIDE the walls of the complex, this will be a proposed location for some form of plantation that will provide a food resource

Domus Research

The following are some concept sketches that myself, and my other team members, have created to orchestrate a successful complex that will accomodate for up to 8 people in the Western Australian desert.

Troppo Architects

Troppo is a practice of regionally based studios aiming to develop regionally responsive architectures....And to promote a Sense of Place: through an architecture that responds to climate and the local setting: a dynamic architecture of adjustable skins; that connects the indoors with the out: a non-constant architecture that responds to the morning, the evening,
the season, the heat, the cold, the sun, the rain, the moment that will never pass again.
Troppo embrace the informality that is the Australian lifestyle.

http://www.troppoarchitects.com.au/index.php?mode=home

Tublinum final