Project 2: Minima

Poster 1: Plan, Sections & Construction

Poster 2: Research & Development



Model: Top View of Design




Model: Section View of Design




Model: Top View of Section

My design for Minima was inspired by a lamp shade seen in 'Melbourne Home Design & Living' magazine (issue 4). The form of the design is not only used in the walls but continued in the roof that creates different ceiling heights inside the space. The design is created in such a way that the interior is minimal while the exterior has the appearance of being larger due to the projecting timber panels. Privacy is achieved inside by the wet area not through the use of a door, but instead I used panels placed at different angles to achieve privacy. This is also achieved outside by the entrance being also hidden by the panels being positioned on different angles. Privacy is increased by there being no windows in the walls, instead having the natural light coming from skylights in the roof. The structure is designed around the trees of the site. The structure is relocatable by the panels slotting into each other.

My thoughts on the project was that it was a good project to do as it forced you to strip back your the space you designed to the bare essentials. By doing this it really made me realise just how much extra, unneeded space is built into homes today. I liked the way that I have created a minimal space inside, but on the outside, the space seems larger than it actually is. I would have liked to have developed this idea further as I beleive that there are some unresolved issues in the design. Some of the unresolved issues are the positioning of the skylights and if they would allow enough light to enter the space, the different angled roof creates problems with water run off, as there are places on the roof where the water would pool, and I would have liked to have pushed the design at a sustainability level, as the angled panels could have been positioned so that they act as shading devices, etc.