KINGSWOOD / MASSIMILIANO CAPOCACCIA ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

The  original  building  on  the  site  was  demolished  due  to  a  series  of  earthquake  that  affected  the region. The demolition revealed the original roof trusses that were rescued and safely stored by the client who was hoping to reuse them. The trusses became an important feature of the new  build. Their strengthening was achieved with rusted metal plates and exposed bolts. The  new building  envelope  needed  to  fit  in  the  industrial  port  area  responding  to  the  heritage constraints  of  the  city plan. 

 

This  led  the  design  to  keep  the  original  shape  of  the  building, reinterpreting the structure and cladding material. The client requested an open space that celebrate the view to the port and create privacy from the surrounding. For this the design of the big steel and cedar window façade has allowed a great view to the harbour, the hill and the stormy southerly weather. 

 

The  house has  been  designed to expose  the  big  steel  structure  and  bracing  elementsin  order  to provide a sense of safety in reflection to the dramatic event of the 2011, and it has been used to give a visual rhythm to interior, otherwise too dispersive space. The  walls werebuilt from a SIP  lightweight material (structural  insulated  panel) to  achieve  greater thermal insulation.

 

The layout creates a feeling of openness towards the south façade, whilst creates a more sheltered and intimate area in the back of the building, encouraging visitors to direct their attention towards the living  area. The  volumes  have  been  designed  to  create ‘hiding’ space and targeted views. Although  the whole space  is  actually  big and  open,  there  are  many  areas where  you  can  feel protected and sheltered. A corner hidden living has been created as a private nook to allow the house to be lived in a variety of atmospheres.

 

Photography by Mick Stephenson – www.mickstephenson.com 
Text provided by the office