BA (Hons) Architecture, Oxford Brookes University
Year 3, Autumn 2020
Studio, individual work
Year 3, Autumn 2020
Studio, individual work
One of the many impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the change in our working environments. In this project, we were asked to design a work retreat space on the southeastern limestone coast of Mallorca, Spain of 25 m² for max. two people, for remote working and living. In my proposal, I focused on creating a boundary between working and living space, as well as exploring different ways of incorporating nature and landscape into my design.
Journey to site
Site analysis
My design strategy included separating the uses and then arranging them in a way that would allow for natural ventilation and daylight to all of the spaces. The workspace and living space was separated, and outdoor decks and circulation routes were incorporated for the end-user to be able to move around on the cliff and spend time outside.
Internally, I wanted to reflect the changing levels out the landscape and incorporated stepping and terracing of internal spaces to encourage intimate relationships to the landscape and informal semi-outdoor living and working. All of the internal surfaces are connected and serve multiple functions such as seating, countertops, and shelving internally, while providing shading externally.
Internal space
Sketch model at scale 1:100
Top view
As for materiality, the aim was to experiment with different material textures to give different impressions. I decided to use mares sandstone for the primary structure, a building material traditionally and extensively used on the island. With its rough texture and similar colour to the cliff, the dwelling better blends into the landscape. Internally, marble has been used extensively, creating a nice contrast to the rough stone texture.
Materiality
Proposed roof plan
Proposed floor plan
Proposed section A
Final physical model: East facing facade
