PUBLIC/PRIVATE AAND RELATION TO THE GARDEN/ LANDSCAPE
The ground floor of the house appeared isolated as it is pushed into the surrounding hill. Its connection to the landscape is thus emphasised through the use of organic curves on this level. However it can be said that through the use of glass screening at the front, this level is opened up to the landscape thus giving a more communal feeling to a semi-private family space.
The cantilevered first floor is open to surroundings, accentuated through is glass perimeter. This public space appears free and provides an unimpeded view of the natural surroundings, however the roof massing above counteracts this by limiting that worldly view from a different angle. It has been said that this reminded the handicapped client of his limited perspectives on a level of the house which facilitate the illusion of freedom.
The second floor of the house is a completely private and self contained space in which the bedrooms and bathrooms are located. The punctured holes throughout the massive walls provide picked out snapshots of the landscape.
CIRCULATION
The Bordeaux house was specifically designed for a handicapped client who's mobility was disabled in a car accident. In compensating for the client Rem designed an elevator which passed through all 3 levels of the house openly. At all times the clients desk and chair remained on the elevator, this combined with a three story book case made obtaining his resources easier. Other occupants of the house such as his family and the cleaner would utilised the 3 other sets of stairs in the house.
STRUCTURE
The Bordeaux House is build on a structural system consistent with that of a tripod. This tripod consists of 3 legs which act in compression pushing on the earth, they include;
- Aluminium cylinder (supports the west side of the house)
- I beam
- U shape steel member (supports the east side of the house)
These 3 legs would would work as a tripod but due to the placement of the cylinder the legs don't effectively balance the weight of the building. To counteract this Rem introduced a cable which pulls the entire building into balance making the smallest member the most crucial.
