UNIT ONE
Upon walking through the entrance of this unit, ones attention is immediately drawn to the ceiling which is composed of exposed wooden beams that align the gabled ceiling. Although this space is only 11' x 32' 4", the tall ceiling heights and open floor plan makes the space seem much larger. The conceptual word for this space is joint, and that is clearly represented throughout the unit as the joinery is exposed and celebrated throughout.
As soon as the guest walks through the door, they are facing towards the 32'-4" wall, lined with windows. The guest can walk straight towards the long wall where the seating is located to relax and view the nature outside, or they can go to the left to prepare themselves a meal in the kitchen and enjoy it while sitting at the bar. The kitchen is just as intricate as the ceiling, as customary built-in shelving and storage provide this small space with the most efficient way of preparing meals. The wood joinery in the kitchen is also elaborate and is demonstrative of the extreme care and quality of craftsmanship in this space. When the guest is then ready for a nap or to lie down, they walk towards the other end of the space where the bed is located open to the rest of the space. There is one step that divides the living space from the bedroom space. Although there is no wall, the floor change clearly indicates the distinction of spaces. The head of the bed rests against a 7.5' wall that discloses the bathing area behind. There is ample space to walk on either side of this wall to reach the bathroom. There are no doors, but rather an open passageway that allows easy movement from space to space.
The materials of this space additionally add to the concept of this unit. Exposed brick and wood are the two main materials and add to the idea of two things coming together and being joined. Braces, pegs, and joinery are exposed throughout the space and create a holistic environment centered around the word joint.
UNIT TWO
The second unit conceptualizes the word joint in the sense of two things coming together as in a joint effort, or a shared partnership. Upon walking through the door that is in the center of the 22' x 22' space, the guest immediately notices the symmetrically of this space. More notedly, when looking to the right side of the room, everything is carved into the wall, while when looking to the left side, everything is extruded from the wall. Everything that is extruded on the left side of the wall fits perfectly into the carvings made on the right side of the room, fitting together just like puzzle pieces.
To the left side of the room is where the space to prepare meals is, as well as a private reading nook. To the right size is a table for dining, a bed that also serves as a window seat, a closet, and the bathing area. There is a designated place for every desired function within the space as well as ample space in the middle for circulation.
The layout of the space represents two separate members of a shared partnership. When apart, they are distinct in their own nature, but it is evident how well they fit together. This space is truly about part to whole.
UNIT THREE
The third unit is modeled around yet another meaning of word joint. When the guest walks in this 22' x 32'-4" space, the viewer is immediately awe struck by the mechanical features of the home. The sliding walls, and pivoting countertops transform this space into a multipurpose unit.
The guest who walks through the door of this space immediately becomes a tool to transform the space. Two walls that are attached to tracks on the ceiling, and support the loft, allows the guest to manipulate the space to their specific desires. The walls fit seamlessly together and can be united to allow privacy or pulled apart to create an open environment. Each part of the space works together like a puzzle piece that is left up to the inhabiter to put together.
In the Rengel reading, the book addresses that rituals of a person determines the function of how spaces are designed. While this space provides adequate function for every need of the guest, it also allows the space to be custom to whoever inhabits it. The sense of joint in this space is inspired by the joints found in the human body, that pivot and rotate to provide us with a wide range of movement. That same wide range of movement plays out into this space.
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