An oasis of Oriental calm

Melbourne, Australia

Add To Collection

An oasis of Oriental calm

Melbourne, Australia

Firm

Haluk Aysu A&D Studio

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2014

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Area: 1000 sqm
Completion: March/2014
Project Commissioner:
Clients: Karin Moorhouse & Wei Cheng
Project Creator:
Haluk Aysu M.Architect (Haluk Aysu A&D Studio)
www.halukaysu.com.au
An oasis of Oriental calm in a classic suburb of Melbourne.

Inspired by ancient Hutong architecture of the owner’s childhood in Beijing, the design balances the privacy and serenity of inner courtyards with the ease of contemporary Australian indoor-outdoor living. Embracing minimalist lines of China Modern, the fusion form is designed with absolute respect for the neighbourhood and dedication to the owners’ lifestyle. Capturing China Modern in a discrete manner which does not disrupt the neighbourhood surrounds of Victorian and Edwardian Camberwell. This is consistent with Chinese architectural philosophy itself, whereby walls and courtyards provide for surprising private spaces and inner sanctums, tucked away in from the outside in complete harmony.

The core idea of this project is "Multiculturalism in Architecture", how it could be stimulated and how it can revitalise architectural trends in general. It is claiming to be a part of a mission representing a diverse design style amongst the dominant mainstream architectural mindset.  Understanding the cultures that live with us, but having roots going historically or geographically distant, begins with grasping and internalising their architecture. The reflection of this cultural diversity onto the city scale also determines the era of multiculturalism in the urban memory.  The only buildings within the scope of cultural diversity in our cities are mostly religious or commercial buildings such as ethnic restaurants, cultural centres, etc. The current cultural myth impose on us is predominantly "universal"; cultureless, styleless architecture. The global industrialisation and capitalism has fiercely diminished the architecture fed from cultural background.  Cultural heritage in a multicultural society, like Australia, belongs to all of us. The representation of this architectural multiculturalism in our physical environment is the responsibility of the architect. Melbourne's exceptional ethnic demographic structure should start to be enriched with blended cultural buildings that reflect our unique mix.
The components of sustainability as social, environmental and economic aspects, mostly do not conflict with the end users benefits, if properly introduced.  Continuous foam under the ground slab for insulation. In wall - a layer of rock wool insulation.  Outwall - extruded 100mm polystyrene layer. Infloor and roof -packed with rock wool.  External windows, doors and glass roof - double glazed. Solar Energy supply for underfloor hydronic heating system with 30 evacuated tube solar panel. A total of 315L. capacity. Separate 60sqm solar panel on the roof for indoor pool heating.  Recycled rain water usage for toilettes, laundry, garden, and ponds, stored into three underground tanks having the capacity of 35.000L. Long eaves all around the roof blocking the vertical summer light and letting in winter light. Cedar slatted bi folding
venetian blind screens for the entire west façade with anemometer that automatically closes them under high wind conditions.

Project Team:
Draftsman- Project Coordinator: Arcadia Building Design
Morden O'Hare
morden@arcadiabuildingdesign.com.au

Builder: BCG Constructions
Brendan Gonzales
bcgcon@bigpond.net.au

Manufacturer-contractors:
Doors&Windows: Joel Griffs (BINQ)
http://www.binq.com.au

Home Automation: Phil Gibbs (D-Bus Digital Home Consultant)
http://dbus.com.au/index.php

Landscaping: Ken Lamb (Imperial Gardens Landscape)
http://www.imperialgardens.com.au

Pool: Chris Howley ( Personal Pools)
http://www.personalpools.com.au

Automatic Blinds: Bernie Sombekke (Som Blinds)
http://www.somblinds.com.au

Staircase: Slattery & Acquroff
http://www.stairking.com.au

Suppliers:
Bluestone: Jui Hu (Sai Sandstone)
http://www.saisandstone.com.au

Lighting fixtures: Steven Sing (Ledficient)
http://ledficient.com.au

Roof: Matthew Sullivan (Bristile Roofing)
Tiles: La Escandella
http://bristileroofing.com/vic/?s

Benchtops: Stone Italiana
http://www.stoneitaliana.com.au

Imitation wood beams: (Rise Cheer development Limited)
http://risecheer.en.alibaba.com

Wood cladding: Woodwall - Elton Group
http://eltongroup.com/woodwall/what-is-it/

Grey brick wall tiles: (imported from China)
http://www.gzpanda.cn/en/about.as

Photographs : Michael Downes (UA Creative), Michael Laurie Photography, Sarah Long Photography