Abstract
This paper aims to compare and contrast the Architecture and the concept followed by Architects from the 19th Century and 21st century and how their ideas varied through time. A detailed analysis is done by comparing the Red House, Kent, United Kingdom constructed in 1859-60 and the iT House, California, the U.S.A which was constructed in 2007.
An Analysis over the years
Architectural aspects and Concepts of Architects have been reviving over the centuries giving way to many Architectural Revolutions. The major influence of Architectural Concepts and the construction methods have influenced the Residences and the lifestyle of the people. Some of the major examples of the earlier residences are being conserved today in many countries which stand as the monument for the earlier Architectural revivals.
The major architectural features could be seen on the residences of United Kingdom which marks the Victorian, Georgian and Tudor architecture. Red House in Bexleyheath, Kent, United Kingdom is an explicit example of this architectural reformation that took place during that time. The house was designed by Philip Webb in 1859 and was the work was completed in 1860. The House withstood from others due to its predominantly red walls made of brick and red roof made of clay tiles. Major features of Gothic Architecture were adopted in this design with pointed arches and sash windows. The House was owned by William Morris and the planning was done to meet the lifestyle of the single owner in an unconventional and informal pattern of design. The different elements and design principles meet with the Puginesque Principle of design and interiors followed the major concepts of Art and Crafts Movement popular during the 1880s. Out of the other major works by Philip Webb including Arisaig, Invernesshire (1863), Green Dining Room, South Kensington Museum (1866) and William Morris firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner &Co. Red House is still seen today as an unequivocal range of material , workmanship and design. (Lethanby, W.R, 1935)
A noteworthy example during the modern era is the iT House constructed on the minimalism concept. Built-in 2007 by Taalman and Koch Architects, this house was constructed of prefabricated materials taking just weeks to finish construction. The house is harbored at Yucca Valley, California where the house parts were constructed off-site and assembled on-site to form the house. The interiors also follow a minimalist design aspect where the comfort of the occupants is taken into prime consideration as well the relationship with the surroundings and residence. (Taalman Koch Architecture,2009).
Minimalism, as the word signifies was considered a major breakthrough in the architectural world, and the design concept is kept at expressive yet simplified lines. This approach gives more value to empty spaces and cleanliness. Minimalist Architecture began its form in 1950 forming new styles in Architecture, Lifestyle and concepts. This further developed to its perfect symbolism in the modern era in the increasing commercial and consumer styles. The major motto of minimalist Architecture is ‘Less is more and increasingly followed in the entire major parts of residential architectural designs. Space was used as the major spine of design and empty spaces were the focus of the design. Geometry, Lines, Lighting and fewer details were used giving elegance and beauty to the final result. (Bertoni,F.,2002) The other major breakthrough in the construction of residences was the use of prefabricated units which are manufactured in the industry and assembled together on site. This type of construction requires very less amount of time and labor. This mode of design uses hi-tech and eco-friendly sustainable methods of construction. This reduces time consumption of construction of houses from years to weeks. The materials are also highly efficient and precise in measurements. Some of the construction materials are renewable materials which further increases the energy efficiency of construction. The materials are constructed with modular fabricated units giving flexibility and ease in design and in assembling. This type of construction is also highly energy-efficient and has very low carbon compulsion.
The Arts and Crafts Movement during the 19th century greatly influenced the design of Red House with asymmetrical design and irregularly spaced windows which were placed in accordance with the lighting and design of interior spaces. The exterior angle of the house was designed fairly in this aspect which suited the needs of the owner William Morris who was a writer and artist. The living space was planned on the right side of the house separately while the left side included the service spaces and servant’s area in right-angled blocks. Between the two angled blocks, the house contained a tower-like structure with a hipped roof resembling the Gothic Architecture. This tower housed the staircase and windows on each side of the rectangular block which allowed light for both flights of stairways. The two left and right blocks were combined through internal passages which were lit by windows both on the ground floor level and first-floor level. The ground level had rectangular windows spaced regularly and circular windows at the first-floor level adding to the aesthetics of the house. The study room which is the main area of work for the owner is directly above the garden entrance on the first floor. This space is also well lit with double windows which have roofs fitting with the main roof at right angles. The servants’ block is in turn poorly lit with smaller windows on the first floor of the service block. The staircase well is lit by narrow long window which symbolizes verticality and the service areas like pantry, ladder and lavatory are lit with smaller windows around the block. The interiors are also carefully designed for privacy and do not allow a passerby to have a view of the interiors. (Conway,H. Roenisch,R,1994). The Arts and Crafts design and English Free Style architecture are believed to have their greatest impact on this building. Architect Webb worked to create a historical style through the local materials of cement and brick and craftsmanship. The Gothic Revival form of Architecture dominated the façade of roofs and windows and is seen through clay tiles, corbelled brickwork, circular openings, archways of rubbed brick and corbelled bricks. This gave a gravity of vernacular approach to the design. (Frampton,K,1983).
iT House was constructed with prefabricated units through a minimalist design approach by Taalman and Koch Architects. Constructed in the factory site and then assembled on-site as per design, the design has broad spectrum of space and vastness and is also energy efficient. The site and the owner’s lifestyle are taken into prime consideration as well as reducing the barrier between the built and unbuilt environment. The materials are built to high efficiency and precision and are easy to assemble. The house consists of 1,100sq.ft which includes 2 bedrooms, one bath and a double courtyard. The house follows an open plan design with post and beams construction without load-bearing walls. The roof structure has structural decking with insulation fascia and is installed by simply screwing the panels to the aluminum frame. This decking can be used for lighting conduits, sprinklers and air conditioning mini ducts. The aluminum frame is made of lightweight framework columns and beams held together with steel angles, clips and braces. The cabinets act as walls for room privacy and also as cabinets for storage. This also arrives as easy to assemble units on site from the manufacturer. The best part of the system is the enclosure system which allows the enclosure to be changed as per the changing requirements of the owner. The house has minimum privacy with its major sides of 1” glazed glass. The glass units, extrusions and glazing angles are formed in the glazing shop and fixed with ease on site thus reducing the time and labor required for installing and glazing which is required for other types of houses. Insulation, cladding, and interior finishes are also finished at the manufacturer’s factory and combined together on the site. The finished doors are brought on-site and fitted with the aluminum framework with ease. Solar panels, used to heat water, and radiant floors which make them energy efficient and also provide electricity. ( Taalman Koch Architecture, 2009).
Comparison and Contrast of the Architecture of Red House and iT House
Red fort and its house were explicitly designed to meet the needs of the owners and their lifestyles. The house specifically serves the purpose of the needs and aspirations of the residents but while the Red house was designed to give excessive privacy to the house interiors and thus block the unbuilt environment, its house was constructed to reduce the barriers between built and unbuilt houses and this is done through large glass walls. Red House is constructed of bricks and took nearly an year for its construction to complete but iT House is constructed on Aluminum Framework with insulated panels manufactured offsite and assembled on-site as per the design modules. Red house was designed mainly in two rectangular blocks consisting of the Living spaces and the service spaces. The owner dwelled in the living spaces which were lit with windows that followed across the passages and rooms through a rhythmic succession of windows. The service block and the servant’s block consisted of poorly lit windows that allow light for specific purposes. The two blocks were combined with a major rectangular block that superimposes the whole façade with its large windows on both sides of the staircase flights. iT House, on the other hand follows a ‘wall–less’ pattern design called the open plan design. Here the walls are absolutely absent in the interiors allowing a free space of design. A post and beam structure plan is followed allowing walls only for privacy and not for load-bearing. The structural system allows weight to be carried on the post and beam forms thus reducing the enclosures and reduction of spaces. The space is valued in this design. The house is built in a beautiful setting of the Valley in California, USA with predominant scenario. This is utilized to the maximum extent with double glazed glass walls allowing the breakage of barriers between the built and unbuilt walls. Each space flows freely to the other with the breakage of walls only interrupting the privacy of certain spaces.
The Red House was constructed with specialized skills and knowledge. Skilled laborers were required for the construction and for maintaining the design and value of the art forms. In iT house, the building materials are built in the factory and assembled on-site through easy-to-follow instructions from the manufacturer. This form of construction does not require specialized construction and labor and is most often done through D.I.Y (Do It Yourself method) by sampling screwing the nails through the panels and lightweight aluminum framework. This reduces the cost and time required for construction.
The Red House designed by Architect Webb consists of the major aspects of details obtained through the Arts and Crafts movement and English Freestyle Architecture which dominated the Architectural forms of that time. The residence consisted of clay roof tiles and red bricks available locally and the detailing of the exterior was enhanced through corbelled bricks, circular openings, archways made of rubbed brick which gave an elegant aesthetical value to the whole façade. The windows and the archways followed the Gothic style of Architecture which enhanced the structure even more. The roofs are steeply pointed with a well that is highly ornamental and also a courtyard which makes the house the focus of Art and Craft Movement. The tiles and bricks are red which gave the house its name, but it has been carefully designed to reduce the monotony and give variety and color. The windows have stained glass which gives a splay of colors to the interiors of rooms and corridors which connects the two main blocks. The interior walls and ceilings are decorated with murals based on the medieval theme concepts and furniture and metal works were also carefully designed to give an enhanced look to the structure interiors. The interiors also include large brick fireplace and theme-based designs. The highly ornamented well with a pointed roof resembling the rest of the house roof with Gothic Architecture and the other details of the landscape add to the interesting features and aesthetics of the house. The Staircase which acts as the link between the two main blocks is made of Oak with a turret ceiling and pointed Gothic Style Roof. The Hallway is also heavily ornamented with paintings and designs adding to the splendor and visual impacts of the house. The dining room has the red brick fireplace which is detailed and designed just near the orchard. The bedrooms of the house were also detailed with paintings and design which gives way to dramatic aspirations.( Marsh.J, 2009) The iT house uses a simplified elegant approach to the exterior of the houses. The house is constructed on lightweight Aluminum structure with decking which forms the roof of the house and the exterior walls. With the basic concept of minimalism, the house does not have any exterior detailing or ornamentation and follows the rigid rule of straight lines and compactness. The house is designed with less aesthetic value but more practical needs. Suited to the lifestyle and perspective of the residents, the theory of 4 walls is broken down and an effort of bringing in nature is followed through the glass walls and minimal furniture and interior walls. The house is structurally stable to carry snow loads with aX4 safety factor considering the climate of the region in California. The solar panel is assembled on the top of the flat photovoltaic house roof. This heats the room and also provides electricity. The sliding doors made at the factory and fit on-site also save space and act as the wall. The furniture is also designed through cabinet systems to suit the minimalist approach of design. Constructed of Wood, Aluminum, and steel, the house has reduced the ornamentation on the interiors as well. The entry point is designed with steel risers and decomposed granite backfill which changes to rustic color with time giving way for more variety and adding effects to the landscape of the house. The site also houses a septic tank, a domestic water tank of about 2500 gallons and Solar PV panels. The house consists of Cabinets assembled on-site, Chimney, Backsplashes and minimal cladding. The framing of the house is done out of Aluminum and it’s ideal for the house as it is rustproof and lightweight and also serves the dual purpose of structural systems. The concept of minimalism also allows very little labor and skills allowing the house to be constructed even by two people by simply following the instructions of the manufacturer with the design plan. The house houses 1,100sq.ft of built space with private and pubic spaces and also an exterior courtyard. The Glass enclosure is mostly like a kit house that can be aligned or changed as per the changing needs through the lightweight framework and panels. The fireplaces are suspended, designer furniture with minimalist ornamentation, kitchen accessories and moveable walls add to the spectacular of the residence. The house is constructed of Green Building approach aiming for passive cooling through Sunshades overhangs and the openings oriented mostly to the windy side. The 1 “ glass walls allow in sunlight in plenty during the dawn and dusk while during the mid-afternoon when the sun becomes increasingly hot, the screens which can be removed protects the interiors from sunlight and also retain the temperature inside the house.
Though the Red House designed by Philip Webb in 1860 and the iT House designed by Taalman and Koch Architects in 2007 are vastly different in their design and features, there are some details that show similarity:
Both the houses are designed giving prime concern to the needs and lifestyle of the owner. The Red House was designed to suit the needs of a single owner who is an Artist and Writer with special room overlooking the garden. The iT house is designed for a family and also understands the needs of future expansion of the house with the growing needs of the family by following an open plan design and moveable cabinet walls. The house designs are mainly categorized into public and private spaces. The Red House has two major blocks which incorporate the living space and service spaces while the iT house incorporates the open plan spaces by using walls to bound the private spaces and leaving the public spaces to open plan without walls. Both the houses, in fact suited the Architectural reformations in their contexts. The Red House used the Art and Craft design movement which gained wide popularity during its construction and its house used a minimalist Approach which is gaining popularity in the modern era.
References
- Lethaby,W.R. Philip Webb and his Work. London.1935
- Taalman Koch Architecture.(n.d)In it House.
- Bertoni,F. Minimalist Architecture. Birkhäuser Basel.2002
- Conway,H. Roenisch,R. Understanding Architecture. Routledge.1994
- Frampton,K,Modern Architecture 1851-1945. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, 1983
- Marsh,J. Historic Houses. Red House. Part 1.[Video].