The student was required to design an artist retreat for Willie bester in the arid region of Windhoek, Namibia.
Climatic and well as function considerations had to be taken in account with the design of the building.
The design intent was the offsetting and random orientation of shapes and planes along with the natural feel of the building fabric that would resulted in a building that personifies the artist and his work.
The dwelling consist of three levels, each serving a particular function which includes play, sleep and work space. By using the Plascon Western Desert colour pallete, each space imparts a unique feeling associated to the function thereof. This may include a warm, natural feeling in the play / living space using the orangish / beige colours and a calm, elegant and creative feeling in the sleep and work spaces respectively, using the blue-grey colours of the pallete.
Sustainability has also been a key factor in the design of the dwelling. The use of natural stone which would be reclaimed from the site is reminiscent of the rock outcrop and hills of the region. Integration into the landscape is achieved by moulding the built around existing rock features and by the wall planes reaching out into the land, in doing so the building truely reflects the unique african style living by blurring the barrier of interior-exterior spaces and being one with nature.
Artist impression
Plascon Prism Awards entry
Final model
Final submission
