As a Container of Human Activities

The house was designed specifically for its aboriginal client, who wanted to uphold their culture and customs.

The house is open plan with the same space used for eating, cooking and living. Yet this may not necessarily mean all these activities happen in this space. The surrounding land and sea – provides food still hunted and gathered in the traditional manner. (Beck, H Cooper, J 2002) From this argument it is evident that the occupants maintain an intimate relationship with the land, and the kitchen may not necessarily be used in the same manner as a western occupant might use a kitchen.

The children’s bedrooms are located to the east of the parent’s bedroom, which adheres to the aboriginal custom of occupying space in relation to the setting and rising of the sun. The house also has two bathrooms, which follows the culturally specific tradition of a separate room located deep in the house for women. (Beck, H Cooper, J 2002)

A number of other culturally-specific dimensions drove the planning of the house. The inhabitants must at all times be able to see the horizon, as well as significant monuments in the landscape. They must also be able to recognise approaching visitors without being seen, as well as changing weather patterns and passing animals. (Beck, H Cooper, J 2002) This was achieved entirely with the top swing doors and the gaps between the timber battens that allows the user to look out even in its completely locked down state.

This concept map shows the importance of the main spaces.