House of Parts

by CPlusC Architectural Workshop

From the Architect

Shortlisted in the 2016 World Architecture Festival House of Parts is the sum of complex and beautifully detailed elements and challenges the notion of the singular conceptual approach to architecture.

Located in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, House of Parts was designed for a family with four children under the age of six. The client’s approached CplusC seeking flexible and diverse spaces and for the functions of these spaces to be changeable over time. Additionally, the planning was informed by the local climatic and site conditions. A series of internal courtyards allows light and air to filter into the building while providing the living spaces with a garden outlook to enjoy. The building is largely inward looking to mitigate over-looking concerns from neighbouring buildings.

The dining room is at the heart of the home with a curved double height glazed wall allowing a panoramic outlook to the swimming pool. A large curved glass sliding door follows the wall and runs seamlessly around the dining room allowing family to spill over to the outdoor dining area. The stair to the first floor wraps around the dining table, making the space feel comfortable while retaining the feeling of openness.

The project concept was driven by solar studies, the creation of internal views and outlook within the site, and capturing the prevailing and local breezes. The project eschews homogenised detailing. Instead, the design is intentionally delivered as a sum of complex and beautifully detailed parts as a challenge to the notion of the singular architectural conceptual approach often found within contemporary architecture. Having three street frontages, the house proudly illustrates the complexities of its detailing on each of the unique elevations.

CplusC offers a comprehensive Architectural and Construction service, typically from the initial client brief, through to design, project management and construction, our practice is committed to well-crafted, sustainable and innovative design outcomes. Our studio has a simple ethos –deliver exceptional outcomes by taking full control and responsibility for both the architectural design and the construction of each project. We reduce the need for third party involvement and provide everything from project management to full design and construction services. This approach has enabled us to consistently deliver high quality projects, on time, and on budget.

The project is located in a sought after suburb with high land values. As a result, it was important that the whole site contributed to the functional outcome of the house. The final project was 20% below the original Quantity Surveyors estimate. CplusC coordinated the design and construction which enabled cost effective decisions to be made in a timely fashion.