Extending Into the Landscape – House RV by Plus Minus Design
Reinvigorating its former self, House RV sees the coming-together of various spatial and planning ideas that evolved in response to the site and a considered refinement of connection, materiality and form take place. Plus Minus Design combines a nuanced and adaptive approach to cleverly unite all of these elements.
Sitting amongst its lushly landscaped setting, House RV arose out of the understanding of the architect gained over time of the best use and orientation of aspects on the site. Combining these elements, the resulting home now speaks to its site and environmental contributing factors in order to best capitalise on its assets. Plus Minus Design’s considered approach, the evident understanding of the site’s nuances and context, and the clear and impassioned engagement with the landscape as an extension of the home, draw out the living spaces beyond the built boundaries.
Together with Cantilever Consulting Engineers, House RV transforms many of its original elements, repurposing and reimagining them to better suit both the client and the site. Although structural interventions were minimal, the replanning and creation of platforms has greatly expanded the home’s potential, as has the extension of the living room ceiling upward. Notable in these interventions is the front lush enclosed garden that capitalises on the northern aspect and acts as an extension of the living area. Sitting atop a podium above the garage and street level, this elevated landscape offers much more than a simple balcony, creating a new outdoor platform amongst the canopies of the surrounding vegetation.
Sitting amongst its lushly landscaped setting, House RV arose out of the understanding of the architect gained over time of the best use and orientation of aspects on the site.
Plus Minus Design saw the many and abundant gardens act as an annexe of the home’s close and intimate relationship with the mature fig trees on site. The existing landscaped elements consisting mainly of trees were enhanced, and the new garden platform and other elements act to provide a softening of the built edges internally and to neighbouring properties beyond. With the main living areas on the upper floor, privacy is enhanced from street level, and creates an opportunity for the landscape on the lower level to give back to the public realm as an offering of the values of the home.
Through a considered analysis of the built to unbuilt ratio on site, Plus Minus Design has adjusted the balance to better suit the client and optimise the potential of the site. The reinvigorated home now opens up to and embraces its generous garden setting and optimises its site to its full potential, transforming into a home of enviable purpose.
Plus Minus Design saw the many and abundant gardens act as an annexe of the home’s close and intimate relationship with the mature fig trees on site.
