Excerpt: Rustic Canvas by Dishna Thilanka Architects is a residence featuring dynamic spaces through the play of light, shadows, colors and texture. The design aimed to create a budget-friendly, contemplative space with solar shading, utilizing the house’s west-facing orientation to optimize its spaces. Brick laying patterns create unique spaces and break monotony. The play of sculpture and paintings in the house reflects the owner’s personality and enhances architecture.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] The house is designed for an artist with the idea of making the residence his extended living canvas. The design was to create spaces which will be dynamic throughout the day by the play of light, shadows, colors and texture.
The main criteria of the design were to do the project within a budgetary framework yet have the best possible feel as a space of contemplation and inspiration. The spaces of the house are orchestrated in a manner to manipulate the solar shading throughout the spaces as the house faces west.
The central courtyard acts as a stack to promote hot air release keeping the interior cool during the day. The materials used for the project are kept minimum, fair faced brickwork, polished concrete and timber are used proportionately thus creating a subtle harmony.
The patterns used by various brick laying methods gives each space a different taste; also it breaks the monotony of using the same texture all over. Since the house is for artists the play of sculpture and paintings within spaces was considered important. The art itself becomes part of the architecture, which becomes a reflection of the owner.
The working studio is simply decorated with bare plaster. The brick panel used as an air vent fills the area on one side. The light filtering through the pattern creates privacy while working. The simplicity of the interior comes alive with a play of light and shadow, inspiring new ways to create art every day.
The innovation of material potential is the key in this project. The common brick is taken beyond its base role of primary building element to something beyond. The brick is used as a pattern and texture maker throughout.
The placement of architectural elements to capture light and create shade is also a notable feature seen in the spaces created. The usage of concrete as a backdrop for other materials to highlight is seen in all the spaces of the house. The climatic response and aspects of thermal comfort is also achieved by zoning and massing and above all orienting the building respectfully.
The role art can play in architecture is another aspect utilized in the project as it becomes an element of customization to the individual client. The harmony of art and the texture palette creates this dwelling a soothing haven.
The project is an ideal example where quality is maintained within a budget, in an ever changing economic landscape creating unique architecture to a cost framework is a challenge for many architects. The understanding and careful identification of user needs over wants was the key in creating this unique residence.
The end product stands testimony as a client’s dream come true. The delivery of the product within budget also uplifts the professional attribute of an architect as it helps to break the bubble of all things nice are expensive. The understanding of material potential and how the fusion of different textures and color can make a huge difference to a simple plan form is seen by the execution of the project.
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