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Vision Magazine
What are the benefits of this type of dual
occupancy?
KC: Environmental with the better use of resources,
cost effectiveness and better social outcomes from
increased density and mutual family support.
How much of this pavilion is prototype rather
than stereotype?
KC: Mostly prototype. It’s always nice to approach
these projects with a willingness for experimentation.
Such as?
KC: The compressed fibre-cement floors and timber
strips for instance. We hadn’t done that before but
tried it on a small project. Even if it wasn’t entirely
successful (it was harder to build than anticipated).
LC: It’s definitely about searching for those
prototype qualities. On the other hand the box
shape we use is a stereotype. There’s nothing
wrong with that because it’s a shape that provides
such great economy.
Is there an element of your workplace that’s
like a laboratory to really see what you can
push and develop next?
KC: That’s true. We like to experiment with
materials. I think we got that from Gabriel Poole.
But there’s an underlying philosophy there too.
LC: While you want innovation, there is also the
need to utilize standard elements for economies.
This project involved fast construction. We’ve
developed all these details around standard
elements and standard sections for speed and
economy. You can see evidence of that in the
window details. We had to really manipulate those
to add effective weather protection hoods that
worked with the window type and aesthetic we
tried to achieve.
Labour of Love