Vision Magazine
26
The Farnsworth House is that reminder of innovation
and daring, yet it’s also a reminder that even though
the architect had a very wealthy client, the emphasis
was on invention and quality before quantity.
There are no direct parallels between the Farnsworth
and Piermont House but there are certain principles
we’ve adopted. Technology gives us a huge
advantage with regard to new and better materials.
The glass that we have to work with now is vastly
superior to what belonged to that era. It allows us to
be bolder and more confident in dealing with climate,
fully sealing the house and absorbing the landscape.
Glazing is very important because your design is
such a very active part of this envelope.
The family wanted to feel part of the landscape. And
they can do that without question because glass is
integral to the design. That is especially true of the
pavilion and even in the bedrooms where the views
are smaller but still very important.
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What influences your work?
Those famous international modern masters and
locals such as Glenn Murcutt. Early on I worked for
Daryl Pelchen and he certainly alerted me to the
importance of design clarity.
Is there any significance in using local builders,
trade skills and materials such as glazing?
It was just very reassuring to be able to call on and
deal with local people throughout this process. We
needed people on the spot who could attend to the
inevitable issues and questions that arise. Similarly
we sourced local materials wherever possible and
that really fitted with a more sustainable view of
design that considered the life-cycle of embodied
energy costs involved in bringing materials from the
other side of the planet.
What was the advantage in working with a supplier
such as Viridian?
We had close consultation with the local glazier who
works with Viridian to establish the ideal balance of
glass type, clarity and shading coefficients of our
double glazing. There is a certain peace of mind
without question of buying locally and it’s certainly
true of glass that in the event difficulties occur you
want to know there is full back-up.
Have you had the alternative experience?
We’ve specified one thing and then discovered
something else has been substituted and that is
a real danger. A cheap imported alternative often
doesn’t work out to be very cheap and so we’re
very aware of the product and what is used as the
finished product. Thankfully our accommodating
local builder was also aware of this.
What other qualities does glass provide beyond
views?
Knowing that the fabric of the building can literally
unveil very simply and elegantly is a key in this
context. The pavilion could be almost entirely glass
because it’s all so fully transparent. The whole
structure is fully revealed and those qualities go
beyond just providing terrific views.
Did the clients have concerns about privacy or
thermal/solar integrity?
The site is private from the main road so privacy
wasn’t an issue. Our ESD consultant thoroughly
tested and confirmed the design to ensure we met
ratings. The large eave overhang was calculated
to avoid overheating and heat gain and hence the
idea of opening the building. Was it a concern?
A calculated concern perhaps but the client was
adamant about a transparent box. It needed to be
well heated and insulated and the family has already
experienced a winter and summer to prove that it
works very well.
What are some of your primary sustainability
strategies?
Heavy insulation throughout including slab
insulation, solar hot water, photovoltaic panels
pre-wired throughout, 80,000 litre rainwater tanks
with a 10,000 litre fire fighting tank, integrated
landscaping and pergola for sun shading, hydronic
slab heating throughout, large eaves and fixed
shading devices to glass roofs and of course double
glazed units with EnergyTech.
Has there been a project high point?
We visited the client about a month after moving
in and to finally see the house really utilized,
appreciated and enjoyed is very gratifying and such
a huge reward.
Credits
Project
Piermont House
Glazier
European Window Company
Architect
Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Principal Glass Provider
Viridian
Builder
G&S Morris Constructions
Principal Glazing
Viridian ThermoTech Double
Glazed Units incorporating
EnergyTechTM
Structural Engineer
Keith Patrick and Associates
ESD Consultant/Energy Rater
Wayne Floyd
Through the Looking Glass
Budget
N/A