In the words of Santiago Calitrava:” It is time to create again.”
It is obvious that this has not been happening, if you look around at all the fake Tuscan replicas standing around. For some reason we are falling back to the pre-modinistic notion that everything good has been done already and the best that we can do is copy it.
“At the end of the 20th century people were liking architecture not because it was good, but because it reminded them of something that used to be good. Towards the end of the 20th century art, music and architecture has become a copy of a copy. In music we have remixes, in fashion trends are being re-used, and in architecture we have Tuscan. Even the more modern houses, viewed in designer magazines, are simply copies of previous greatness, a mirror reflection of something that used to be good, but has never been improving upon. That time is over; it is time to move on. The architectural climate has changed. In the same way that the modernist movement went back to the roots of what a house is, in relation to space, nature and humanity, to bring man back from his God like persona to the power and beauty of nature, so to will the architects of today have to face our biggest challenge, cost. Not only the cost of owning a house, but the cost of owning Architecture. We have moved into a new century, it is time to embrace the new.
The sudden hike in property and construction costs has left a lot of potential new homebuyers on the sideline. There is a generation that might only enter the property market, through inheritance.
For the first time in many years, a man’s house is his castle again. Pride is being linked to ownership. Architects, after being nearly extinct towards the end of the 80’s, have more work than they can attend to. The media has increased the importance of design excellence. The idea of the perfect home has changed from a four-walled enclosure, which provides shelter, to a glossy magazine cover image.
This contributes greatly to the massive gap in our property market. Those that do manage to raise the high mortgage that is required to buy a house these days, has to live with the discontent feeling of never being able to own that architectural masterpiece that promise tranquility and happiness.
Many has tried in recent years to overcome the cost issue by trying to cut corners, or by using the DIY mentality. They have all come short, either in budget or in aesthetics. The reason for that is simple: ”Keep on doing what you have always done, and you will keep on getting what you always got.”
The above illustration shows only one thing, the way it has always been done will have to change. It is time to adopt a new mindset. For those who dare, an evolutionary solution awaits.
Common scientific belief is that a species will evolve in order to overcome extinction. Archilution DNA has taken the first steps in South Africa towards the full evolution of the building and property market.
It is time to move away from the conditioned definition of a house, or living quarters. Brick walls, tiled roof, bathroom for every bedroom, are things of the past. We need to re-assess what we need out of our living space to make it functional and design accordingly.
It is more imported to feel a sense of well being in ones permanent surroundings, than to own a large space, which is unaffordable to conform aesthetically.
Space will be the greatest luxury of our time. A restricted budget does not mean that the quality of our living space needs to suffer. Small does not mean lowering our standards. Small could simply mean simplicity.
The Evo – VAC house is the first of a series of architectural solution tailored to overcome the shortcomings and cost issues found in current house design and construction.
The Evo-Vac (Short for Evolution Vacation House) addresses the design issues of the modern holiday house. It is designed to provide affordable holiday accommodation with emphasis on “holiday living” giving you that holiday house you dreamed of, rather than the one you can afford.
The concept of the Evo-Vac is derived from a cruise ship holiday. Rooms are seen more as compartments, with above bed storage compartments. Under bed storage areas, and small en-suite bathrooms, making it as comfortable for its inhabitants as possible. The Evo-Vac is in no way trying to compete with your top-of-the-market holiday houses. It is a unique concept, providing you with an “on deck view” rather than a big face brick holiday house 2km from the beach. (You will be able to afford a much better site.)
The Evo Vac is a 120m² with 4 bedrooms. Its drywall construction method used on the first floor, offer utmost flexibility in accommodation. By simply removing drywall panels, a bedroom can be changed into an open TV room etc. should 4 bedrooms not be required.
The construction concept followed in the same manner as the layout. What is necessary to build this building? Not, what would we normally use to build such a building.
The building consists of a column structure that supports the upper floor. The first floor is constructed of a timber frame, claddit with industrial sheeting. Eliminating any excess materials and replacing standard practice with functional ideas cut building cost cut by more than 1/3.
The ground floor of the Evo-Vac is also fully interchangeable, due to its column structure. All the living spaces, and infill glass and brickwork can be relocated to suite your specific site.
This allowed us to finish the building according to the latest trends, well within standard building cost.
For more photos and info visit: http://www.evohouse.co.za/