Iseami House / Robles Arquitectos

© Courtesy of Juan Robles

Architects: Robles Arquitectos
Location: Playa Carate, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica
Project Team: Juan Robles, Emilio Quirós, Andrea Solano, Erick Guevara, Rodolfo Schlager, Isabel Bello, Adriana Serrano, Walter Mora, Allan Calvo, José A. Ruiz
Contractor: CPS S.A.
Project Area: 482 sqm
Project Year: 2009-2010
Photographs: Courtesy of Juan Robles


ISEAMI concept eradicates in the education and awareness of its occupants and its community,that will be capable tolearn about sustainable living thru its spatial living. The house promises a responsible approach to the nature of its location, Peninsula de Osa, a place where the 5% of the world biodiversity is embodied.
The house is the first stage of the ISEAMI institute (Institute of sustainability, ecology, art, mind and investigation). The house is the main area of the institute, therefore, it’s design will serve as a multifunctional place in order to host activities as Investigation, meditation, training, Yoga and joy at the terrace located in the first level. At the same time, the Institute director will habit the house on the second level. This way, possible functions are maximized on the smallest possible area.

© Courtesy of Juan Robles

RoblesArq has followed their design process named: SDRA (Dynamic system Robles Arquitectos) which, during the investigation stage, evaluates 10 important elements as: Site, Climate, Energy, Water, Materials, environment, atmosphere, cost, innovation with the use of passive strategies and the implemented processes.These elements will be analyzed to develop a design plan and a management plan during the building lifecycle in order to reduce the negative impact this house could bring to the natural environment and then, to minimize the negative impact that nature could create in the building, this because our main concept is to create a very low maintenance house.

ground floor plan

second floor plan

The secluded project site is located at 30 km from the closest town, Puerto Jimenez, therefore, the house doesn’t have any public service supply as electricity or water, and this condition obligates the institute to invest on a 100% self-sufficient house. During the design process, decisions were takenin order to bring the water and energy supply. The existence of a water concession on the protected forest inside the property, allows the project to consider a natural potable water source for its use, then the water volume is utilized in order to produce energy with 2 low impact hydroelectric generators that generate a total of800KW/H.Furthermore, Casa Iseami becomes a solar power plant with a production capability of 10.800KW/H, this because the roof has been designed in order to have the orientation and position to maximize its production. The roof material has great structural capacities, so the access to the roof for maintenance is possible (The use of a solar hot water tank provides comfort to the users). The hybrid energy systemprovides with success enough energy to the project, the caretaker’sand maintenace housing and the existing lodge for the participants of the institute.
The materials for the house were selected following the results given by an investigation process done to the existing project near the site. This way we took the results and then decide which were the best materials to use in order to create a low maintenance project. All the proposed materials were tested in order to evaluate its behavior on the difficult environment that the Osa peninsula has because of its humidity, high percentage of rain, mould, fungi and its flora and fauna.

© Courtesy of Juan Robles

The structural and electro mechanic design has been inspired on an exo-skeleton insect, this way the creation of open spaces between walls and ceilings are eliminated, creating a benefit for the indoor air quality because we avoid the creation of mould and plagues common in the projects around.
Within the chosen materials, the thermal-panels (Versawall and Versapanel by Centria) are chosen as the main material for walls and roof because of its solar reflectance index, structural and acoustic properties and ability to give the thermal comfort without using empty spaces on the walls. This material brings the opportunity to build the house, piece by piece as a Lego, a great strategy to minimize the use of transportation in order to lower the carbon footprint of the institute and the ability to build the house with fast and minimum labor on this secluded location. Because of the high structural capabilities of the material, the amount of steel structure was lowered considerably, saving the use of the natural resources needed for the anti-seismic structure. Furthermore the thermal-panel is a very light and easy to install, low maintenance and highly resistant material for humidity.

diagrams 02

Passive design strategies have been successfully implemented to handle the sun exposure, relative humidity, natural illumination and ventilation inside the bioclimatic considerations of the project. Relative humidity is managed to create a healthy and comfortable space. The strategies used are, elevating the house 1 meter above the ground (water permeability in the ground will be possible), ideal orientation (Southeast-northwest)for cross ventilation and the installation of two polycarbonate skylights that provide the control of sunlight exposure in the interiors of the house, preventing UV to damage the furniture and Indoor environmental quality for its occupants. Large overhangs create shadows all day long in order to control the interior temperatures and natural illumination together with the thermal capacities and white color of the envelope. The use of recycled plastic louvers (Trex) creates a second envelope that surrounds the house in order to maximize the temperature control and rain exposure.On the other hand, the white color in the totality of Iseami has the goal to be able to visualize any insect or mould creation inside the house, frame and create a contrast with nature, maximize natural light and solar reflectance index (SRI 100). The roof design allows the occupants to have an integration with the mountains around with an “open to the sky” concept, this way, cross ventilation, daylight and views are present in every single space around the house.

© Courtesy of Juan Robles

One important goal of Iseami house was its recyclable potential, therefore, the material selection needed to be 100% recyclable at the end of its lifecycle, therefore, recycled plastic, glass and mainly the steel (structure and panels) have been choose for the project. Plastic materials at the interior are not included to avoid the outgassing of any toxic compound found in certain plastics, sealants or aditives. Instead, the Versawall and regional materials as white mosaic floors creates a simple but well balanced interior.
The construction system is based on a prefab method planned in order to get the construction time and low environmental impact on the site. The main benefit about that is the adaptation and evolution potential with the community inhabitants, which have a poor economy and will be able to imitate these solutions in different scales with very simple materials.

© Courtesy of Juan Robles

The distribution of the house looks for a new way of living where all the activities have the possibility to be developed outside, this way the integration between the interior and the exterior become succesfull and natural, creating possibilities to enjoy nature on its original state as much as the occupants desires it.
Iseami House is the result of an investigation during the design process of a tropical house built on a remote and difficult site in which the main objective was to promote the benefit of the well being of the community and its occupants, all thru an emergent tropical architecture concept.

45 Faber park / Ong & Ong

© Tim Nolan

Architects: Ong & Ong Pte Ltd
Location: Singapore, Singapore
Design Team: Diego Molina and Maria Arango. Camilo Pelaez
Project Team: Diego Molina and Maria Arango. Camilo Pelaez. Ryan Manuel. Linda Qing
Site Area: 840 sqm
House Area: 592 sqm
Project Year: 2009
Photographs: Derek Swalwell, Tim Nolan


45 Faber Park. The clients for this Project are a couple with three young children, – a set of twins and a younger child, all under 10. Their main aim was to maximise outdoor space whilst not compromising living areas. It was therefore essential that there would be sufficient space for the children to play outdoors as well as indoors. The priority of creating an open living space with a direct relationship to a large outdoor space became a driving force in the scheme.
The overall concept, derived from the clients’ requirements, was to create a living space open to the outdoors in a clean contemporary aesthetic. The building would need to allow fluid movement between each space within and perform as a sustainable mechanism.

exploded axo

In order to maximize space, the idea of pushing the mass of the building into the corner of the plot was developed. The concept of defining the bedroom areas and activity spaces as separate elements allowed for the final scheme to be reached. From the exterior, each element appears as a separate entity, however internally these have a strong connection to each other.
An inviting entrance
The second storey of the house, representing a more private area, is cantilevered over the driveway. The cantilever gives the entrance to the house an enclosed, protected feel. The material used here is an alloy of titanium and zinc which gives this rectangular volume a dark matt finish. The external materials, chosen in subtle tones, define and reflect the more intimate space of the house. The arrangement of spaces on the second floor is a functional response to the needs of the inhabitants. In response to this, the spaces created were introspective and focused on privacy. In order to create pleasant sleeping areas the height of the ceilings was set lower compared to the ceilings in the social areas. Leading from the quiet family room upstairs is a green roof which provides additional outdoor space. It is equipped with a BBQ pit that overlooks the pool beneath. This space represents an ideal entertaining area or a contemplation garden.

© Derek Swalwell

Fluid Continuity
All social activity areas of the house are accommodated on the first floor. There is clear connectivity between all main social areas of the house. The sliding, flexible doors open directly onto the lower garden. When slid back into the walls, the garden space is made one with the social space. The continuity of the house is fluid and works well with the externally clad travertine. The large glazed plane, exposing the space, emphasizes the clear contrast between the private and social areas of the house.
Composition of materials suggest diversity of space
The composition of white walls, in-situ concrete and teak flooring suggest diversity within each space – the way an open plan residence should be. The social space opens to the lower garden while connecting to it. Similar to this, fluid connectivity between spaces in the family rooms upstairs is accomplished by glazed doors which can be slid back and hidden. Upon entering the home the unbroken terrazzo flooring emphasizes the continuity of space on this first floor.

© Tim Nolan

When entering the house, ones attention is immediately drawn to the sculptural staircase. Its organic form contrasts with the rigidity of the two main elements of the house. The staircase acts as the hinge pinning the two perpendicular main elements of the house together. It is the anchor point of the house which is also the vertical circulation. However, the house was designed with children running up and down and through in mind so the sculptural design of the stairs was meant to articulate the intended movement through the space.
An unexpected ambient recreational space
The terrain of the site has worked advantageously for the scheme. A slight gradient toward the rear gives space for a void. This void allows light to penetrate the basement space.

section

© Tim Nolan

The basement space represents the third element of the house. However, unlike the other elements it is unable to use an external architectural language to reflect the activities taking place within. The general perception of a basement is that it is generally not used as a social space but rather as or only as storage. For this house, a deliberate move was made to challenge this perception – the space is well lit with diverse recreational space within. The basement is naturally lit from both sides. One of the light sources is the void garden, the other a window which looks into the swimming pool. This window is the same width as the pool and creates a perfect ambiance in this lounge space which is equipped with a bar and a pool table. Furthermore, a naturally lit study and cinema room are accommodated in the basement. The basement space is vertically connected to the social spaces of the house and serves as a more intimate extension to the social space above.

© Tim Nolan

Environmental measures taken early on in the design promote a sustainable scheme.
From the beginning, the house was designed as a sustainable scheme. The orientation of the house was strategically positioned to allow the prevailing wind to cross ventilate the social spaces. The large opening throughout the house encourages natural light and ventilation within the house. Certain key materials were chosen to help manage the environment of the house. The high thermal mass qualities of in-situ concrete and terrazzo help to cool the house. Also the natural teak used, has very small environmental implications – it is bought from a local source, minimising transport cost. Additionally, the wood was treated with a water-based preservative harmless to the environment. Skylights are strategically placed to encourage natural ventilation. Three other skylights light the internal stairway to the basement and ensure all parts of the house are well lit. The windows of the upper private area were recessed to provide sun shading, reducing the solar gain received by the windows. By employing this method the solar gain is reduced by up to 40%. Each sustainable measure reduces the need of non-renewable energy resources to cool or to light the house.

© Derek Swalwell

Certain native plants were chosen to provide outdoor shading along the pool area and also provide the plot with additional privacy. The native species help put the scheme in context – soil disruption is kept to a minimum.
Overall the scheme is an expressive piece of architecture responding to the needs of a young family. With constraints of limited green space in Singapore, this design finds a solution which optimises indoor and outdoor space whilst emphasizing the relationship between the two.