Architecture practice MORQ operates in Italy and Australia. Projects reflect the architects’ European origins but also the Australian approach they have acquired over the years. The result is a complementarity of tensions: on the one hand, their European legacy drives projects to be an answer to and interpretation of context; on the other, their Australian experience makes them step outside consolidated mindsets and think outside the box.
The context in question was Australia’s immense natural landscape, here key to the quality and connectedness of the whole project. More specifically, the natural features to contend with when designing the Karri Loop House near Margaret River were three eucalyptus trees - one Eucaluptus diversicolor, or karri tree, and two Eucaluptus calophylla, or marri trees.
The plan adapts to the three trees, creating two irregular-shaped courtyards to contain them. Although open-ended, both courts are also secluded spaces. The living area and children’s bedrooms are located on the north side and accessible from the court, while the garage and master bedroom give onto the south court. The presence of three eucalyptus trees dictated the building’s footing system: an irregular grid of steel tripods to raise the construction above the ground and so preserve the trees’ root systems. Irrigation pipes were laid down to take rainwater from the roof directly to the soil under the building. In addition to the natural vegetation, light is the second element that influenced spatial design, determining where windows should go and what texture surfaces should have. All surfaces and ceiling pitches are informed by the need to filter the light and obtain muted levels of luminosity. Skillion-type ceilings allow for a very tall window in the dining area and provide daylighting from above in the master bedroom - as well as picturesquely framing the imposing karri tree outside. The north-facing façade has...
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