HOUSE ON A PRAIRIE

Architecture Competition Project

Host: UNI

Team: Ishan Dsa & Abhik Kanji

Location: Meath, Ireland

March 2021

The initiation of the project began with a study of the site. The site was envisioned as a perfect prairie setting with beautiful trees and tall grass. We used this motif through the proposition of our design. The House on a Prairie started as a culmination of Irish architecture and design motifs. We specifically used dry Irish stone walls and an homage to thatched roofs which is a prevalent roofing system in Ireland. The roofs project out and are connected to the main long spanning roof. This decision was done with accordance Irish architecture. We also noticed that cobblestone and stone walls were synonymous with the local architecture. Hence, using this material for our special details was an utmost necessity.

There were many iterations of our project. It began as a 1950's classic modern architecture style and slowly transformed throughout the design process. We took inspiration from the design brief which allowed us to perfectly choose a design that fit the family. It is eclectic in its roofing style and material choice. We strictly used an open plan to compliment the family's personality. The design also has an important space that we designed with emotion. The meditative courtyard is in the exact center of the site and sits between all ground floor spaces. At any point, in any room, you will always have a view towards this courtyard.

Area Program

The entrance to the house is through a large floor to ceiling windowed entry that brings you into the foyer. Our zoning is planned around a meditative courtyard that is in the exact center on the plot. The goal was to create two wings in order to utilize this courtyard in the general atmosphere of all the spaces. The gallery which will be on the left wing, has a special connection to the courtyard. The clients can use this space while they paint and play music.

The formal living room is at the southern most point of the residence. It has a corner window which brings in a touch of southern light. The left wing contains the master suite, great room and kitchen and dining. At the north point, there is a heated pool which the children can use to warm up during the winters. As Ireland experiences relatively cool summers, they can use this pool effectively.

Design Iteration

During the study and design of multiple typologies we were instantly drawn to a Prairie style home with a gable roof. Our vision for this gable roof was to create a series of vaults throughout the house. The floor above would receive the most dramatic vaulted ceiling to compliment the space and activities that take place. We combined what we found to be the perfect solution from our study, and proposed our solution as the combination of all these typologies.

The project will stand the test of time. As architecture ages, like every industry does, it goes through some special changes. Some styles become popular, while others lose their relevance for the time being. This is the reason why we made the decision to combine multiple styles in order to facilitate a timeless design. Some aspects may become unpopular while the little details will help the building stand out.