A Balanced Containment – Light and Clay by Crosson Architects

In applying a reductionist approach, Light and Clay sees cube-like parts comprise a contemporary and connected family home. Crosson Architects conceals the complex workings of the traditional family home within a seemingly contained outer shell, cleanly engaging with the surrounds.

Light and Clay takes its musings from the combined materiality of clay and an overall approach to incorporating light, both in materiality on site and the encouragement of natural illumination. As the home navigates its sloping terrain, it has two contrasting faces – a light-toned façade forms the main entry whilst a darker decorative exterior element sits above. An expression of the internal functions is created through these exterior tonal shifts. Crosson Architects reinforces a sense of identity amongst the surrounding homes through a modernist-inspired containment of the forms on site.

Mixing the warmth of the clay and other earthy elements with the sheet metal adds an unexpected element.

Moulding to the slope, forms are arranged to optimise natural light and solar gain throughout the day whilst also allowing for a sense of privacy to be created. A careful balancing of openness and controlled concealment ensures the daily functions of the home can continue unimpeded, whilst maintaining a connection to the natural elements. Though the home is accessed through a small courtyard space, the initial interaction is with the translucent sheeted box forming the main bedroom that, once lit up, acts like a lantern.

Mixing the warmth of the clay and other earthy elements with the sheet metal adds an unexpected element. In the residential setting, the insertion of elements signals the creation of a hearth or are reminiscent of a heat source to ground the spaces, while the lightness of the metal sheets reflects a contemporary crispness. Ensuring the surrounding views are captured, openings frame views out and serve as a reminder of place. Through a reduction in the number of materials used, and the elimination of fuss, the resulting home has the desired calming effect of being separated within an isolated sanctuary.

A careful balancing of openness and controlled concealment ensures the daily functions of the home can continue unimpeded, whilst maintaining a connection to the natural elements.

Light and Clay is founded on a countering of elements and gestures, seeing Crosson Architects focus on less and, in doing so, add in more. The mixture of warmth, earthy tones and natural light grounds the build in its surrounding environment, becoming synonymous with its place.