Objective
The goal was to design a dwelling space for yourself in a small/limited (150 m^2) area in the location of your choice at a select site. The site for this project was Humber Bay Arch Bridge. The requirements for the living space was to have a bedroom, workspace and kitchen. The space was meant to be the designer's housing for an year and then have the capacity of being rented out latter on.
Design Statement
The key components of this design were to promoted health, well-being, and circulation while being self-sufficient, and had comfortable. It was intended to be mentally relaxing, promote physical health, and self-sufficient by utilizing the natural and designed environment.
The vine covered pathway allowed the design to be connect to the site throughout the seasons. It also creates a private, sheltered and relaxing atmosphere as walk through vine pathway and while in the dinning area. There are also design elements for improving physical health such as the herbs and vegetable garden and the climbing hydrangea vines that have health benefits like dissolving kidney stones. This along with the water tank also help to make the design more self-sufficient and sustainable.
The wooden exterior walls lined with rocks also visually connect to the environment and create a relaxing atmosphere. The round shape of the house also fits with the location’s geography. It is also mentally relaxing as opposed to an angular structure, and provides the feeling of being sheltered rather than boxed in. The long windows also create the feeling of being in a shell with a calming view of the lake. These windows and glass roof allow the loft to be filled with light, allowing the resident to rise with that sun to their improve mental and physical health. The loft also acts as a private, meditative place. Similarly, the blue stained glass with a water pattern on the bathroom ceiling is to create a calm environment. The vine pathways along with the two doors are positioned to promote circulation and easy transitions between spaces while promoting exercise.
Concept
My concept was wholeness symbolized by a "circle" which also signifies wholeness, self, being surrounded, and privacy. I choose this concept because I wanted to create a design that was relaxing and promoted well-being by being surrounded by nature and was self-sufficient while still feeling private.
The vine pathway was meant to be a relaxing journey. I had the sleeping area in the loft because I wanted it separate form the rest of the house area and that way I can clearly identify it as a stress-free area. It also creates a shade for my work area which I want more reserved so to be able to concentrate while the long window and glass ceiling allow the space to still be filled with natural lighting. The kitchen has a view of the garden and the lake, and so does the dinning area outside. This gives a refreshing feeling while one is cooking or eating food and just like walking through the vine pathway, eating in the garden can be more relaxing. The bathroom has a blue stained-glass roof for a more pleasing environment while taking a shower. The door from the restroom acts as a easier access way to and from the outdoor dinning area which promotes circulation and physical exercise.
