A house on a hill

Abstract

The design of the house began with a response to topography. The placing of the house at the bend of a hillside prompted a rotation of axis in the plan. As a result, the thesis becomes about the architectural implications of this rotation.

Through formal studies in plan, what was originally conceived as a rotation of axis developed into a rotation of volumes. The interaction and transition between the two volumes becomes critical in mediating the rotation. The rotation can be signified by a change of material, or a change of volume, making it a point of emphasis and a part of the architecture.

Materiality is important to the transition between volumes, as well as to the composition and expression of the elevations. The composition of a material in elevation can serve as an indicator of the quality and function of the interior spaces and its relation to the exterior spaces.

New solutions to particular problems, such as the bridge element between the two parts of the house, are found through exploring and ultimately deciding upon the best architectural resolution. The means for exploring in architecture are drawing and building.