EH House - Andra Matin

Summary

This video transcript discusses the design and evolution of a residential building in Bandung, created by an architect named Winfred. The architect shares insights into the challenges and changes made to the house over time, highlighting design choices such as open spaces and the use of natural materials. Despite initial issues with weather exposure and material durability, the house underwent renovations to address these problems. The transcript emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining a good relationship with clients, showcasing the process of continuous improvement in architecture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The house in Bandung was designed in 2003 with a major renovation completed in 2006-2007.
• 😀 The architect aimed to create a modern design that still respected vernacular architecture and maintained open spaces for natural ventilation.
• 😀 The open space design under the house led to challenges with rainwater entering, forcing modifications to prevent this issue.
• 😀 After years of use, the homeowner requested changes, including replacing open spaces with glass to block rainwater and improve comfort.
• 😀 A second house was built in Bandung, inspired by traditional house designs with a focus on roof shapes and panoramic views of the city.
• 😀 The architect employed a raised design to create a floating appearance and reduce the visual clutter of columns, emphasizing panoramic views of Bandung.
• 😀 The house’s design prioritized light filtration and sound reduction from the surrounding busy street, with small openings allowing light to enter while blocking noise.
• 😀 Materials such as teak wood, which were initially chosen for the design, deteriorated over time due to weather exposure, highlighting the importance of material durability.
• 😀 Ten years after completion, the client wanted to use previously unused spaces and made renovations, including adding wood elements to the exterior to enhance aesthetics.
• 😀 The architect acknowledged several design mistakes and learned valuable lessons about considering both beauty and long-term usability when choosing materials and designing spaces.
• 😀 The relationship with the client remained strong, and the architect’s willingness to admit mistakes and make necessary changes resulted in continued trust and further projects together.

Q & A

What was the primary design intention behind the house in Bandung?

The primary design intention was to create a modern, open structure that emphasized natural ventilation and airflow. The architect aimed for a vernacular design that allowed for openness while keeping the lower part of the house airy and elevated.

What were the main challenges faced with the original design of the house?

The main challenge was the open design, which allowed rainwater to enter the house and caused discomfort. The lack of proper drainage and protection led to humidity and rainwater damage, affecting the house's comfort and functionality.

How did the client react to the issues with rainwater entering the house?

The client requested changes to address the issues, particularly asking for the open areas to be replaced with glass to reduce heat and protect the house from rain. The changes were made to better suit the client's needs.

What lessons did the architect learn from the challenges faced during the project?

The architect learned the importance of balancing innovative design with long-term practicality and maintenance. They also realized the need to consider the climate and material durability, particularly with elements like wood, which did not fare well in the humid environment.

What was the significance of the raised structure in the house's design?

The raised structure was designed to keep the lower part of the house open and airy, promoting natural ventilation and a connection with the surrounding environment. However, this design led to issues when rainwater entered the open space.

How did the architect address the issues with the wooden elements in the house?

The wooden elements, particularly the Dutch teak wood, began to deteriorate due to exposure to rain. The architect acknowledged the issue and, in later renovations, replaced some of the materials to ensure the house was more durable and comfortable.

What structural changes were made during the renovations?

During the renovations, several structural changes were made, including replacing the original open areas with glass, adding wooden elements to improve aesthetics and functionality, and revising the stairs to accommodate the client's needs.

What were the issues with the original staircase design?

The original staircase design was not well-received by the client, as it was difficult for them to use. The stairs were ultimately replaced with a different design that better suited the client's needs, though the new design still had its own set of issues.

How did the architect maintain a strong relationship with the client despite the challenges?

The architect maintained a strong relationship by being transparent, acknowledging mistakes, and actively working to address the client’s concerns. This approach helped build trust, leading to further opportunities for collaboration, including renovations and future projects.

What was the final outcome of the house after the renovations?

After the renovations, the house became more functional and comfortable for the client, with improvements to both the structure and materials. Although some design elements were revised, the overall aesthetic remained intact, and the client continued to appreciate the house.