VISION Issue 25 | Page 8

8 VISION 25 — DEEP LIGHT GLASS BECOMES AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FAÇADE TO PROVIDE VERY BALANCED LIGHT LEVELS AND OVERALL AESTHETIC READING OF THE BUILDING. Philip Dingemanse, Architect In plan it’s an attitude that has at its heart the kitchen as engine room and centrally located family connector. The brittle hierarchy of Victorian-era prestige, status and position all dissolve into a shared, social experience. It’s the era of ‘open plan’ with big rooms and bigger furniture, but so much the better when thoughtfully finessed and resolved. And this resonates with the glazing where Viridian glass double-glazed units contribute to the building’s flexibility and wafer lightness. The result sucks sunlight in the coolest months and opens as wide vents and disappearing walls during warmer months. Right The cranked floor plan helps provide a sheltered embrace to the north. Below A separate bank of solar panels helps provide self sufficiency.