a r c h i t e c t u r e
double helix house an exploration of hidden lines
s t u d i o
I I I
s o p h i p e te r s o n
introduction Double Helix House explores the connections between the binary relationship of submergence and emergence. Inspired by Adalberto Curzio’s Casa Malaparte, two isolated, yet inherently connected fluid circulation paths creates a moment of transcendence through their eventual connection. As a house for two inhabitants which thrive from a spectrum of isolation to explore their passions as a chef and an artist, to the sharing of their creations in a more public space, the house moves from a space of compression to expansion through its submergence and eventual emergence from the sloped gradient of the site. The main aim on this east-facing block was to differentiate each functional zone by adjusting the emergence above and below the natural terrain and manipulating the circulation flows through the building, as opposed to isolated planning or materials. A deliberately hidden entrance gives guests of the house two options upon arrival; to walk over the top of the building which flows along the natural gradient of the slope, or to walk down into a prolonged set of stairs submerged into the ground whereby the guest walks between the stepped breakpoint of the house - where submergence becomes emergence. Both paths meet at a moment of transcendence upon reaching the rooftop terrace which finally reveals a panoramic view of High Park to the east. The two paths become an infinite helix loop which gives fluidity to the design. This fluid form has been derived from the obscure property lines of the site, which are offset on the easterly portion of the site. In order to offer the occupants further privacy, the form is warped around this unique shape to reduce view lines from the adjacent eight story terraced apartments looking down onto the site. Internal planning is further informed by the path of the sun, whereby winter courtyards, shared spaces and a rooftop garden thrive in abundant winter sun. By exaggerating this point of connection within the submergence-emergence binary, guests of the house are able to experience the house in a manner in which invokes a feeling of reflection or ‘coming up for air.’
c a s a m a l a p a r t e c a p r i
DOMUS 605 / APRIL 1980 PAGE DETAILS. ADALBERTO LIBERA`S VILLA MALAPARTE, CAPRI, 1938
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beauty of the Capri coast are viewed and contemplated. Spaces are larger with less orthogonal alignment of doors and rooms which simply exist for reflection and thought.
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The feeling of transcendence is first prompted as one
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ascends the first flight of stairs to the ground floor, where openings to fresh air and light become more commonplace. An excess of six bedroom sit on this floor, barely used by their solemn and isolate inhabitant, further minimising frequent circulation and, hence, the overall volumetric feel of this level.
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Upon entering the lower ground level of Casa Malaparte, circulation areas are limited by sheer volume as well as the compressed nature of the service quarters, such as kitchens and storage rooms with minimal openings to natural daylight.
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through the solidity and substance of plaster.
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This idea of the ‘in between’ is represented by the softness, yet impermeable nature of basswood.
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weightlessness upon reaching the rooftop terrace, finally completing this heavy to light complex.
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The idea of clarity and light Malaparte’s the top floor is a reflection of the clear plexiglass volume which sits lightly upon the heavier volumes, as if it were held up by the weight of the two smaller masses.
Casa Malaparte explores the idea of
amplification which is carried throughout the interior circulation and preservation of form in Curzio’s Casa Malaparte. The volumetric
and
material
exploration
of
the heavy to light complex within the design of the house proposes that an architecture
which
stacks
articulate
and
unimpeded
or
areas
-
‘light’
volumes feeling
may or
utop of
open
dark
successfully
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service
achieve
a
transcendence.
3
parklands public space
4
1 Olivia, 26
municipal-owned public space
commercial public space
2
semi-public amentity space
commercial public space
commercial public space
site analysis
5
Artist passionate about typography, press printing process and thift fashion restoration.
Works best in unique spaces with a love of plants.
Ezra, 27
Makes a living by selling creations in a boutique on Dundas West and through her online store.
Innovative chef with a farm to table philosophy, believes in self sustainbility and rebels against instagramable food trends.
Uses the winter to create an exclusive and extraordinarlity anticipated culinary experience held on the roof top terrace.
Cousins with a long-term friendship
Enjoy their own spaces
Both value good design with a thoughful material palette and self sustainability as a priority.
pac
p e ty
le s sib
3
parklands public space
4
1
lly
1 2 3
starbucks pizza hut ellis park medical
high level of public movement
municipal-owned public space
commercial public space
2
semi-public amentity space
commercial public space
commercial public space
p
ica ubl
es acc
es
5
NARROW, MINIMAL COVERAGE cherry tree + honey locust + pine
pac
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pu
bli
ly a ca l
le s ssib e c c
es
1 2 3
starbucks pizza hut ellis park medical
high level of public movement
4 5 6
sleep country high park greenlands public walkways
BROAD CANOPY oak + honey locust,
age
ver
low level of public movement
t re
es
h
n adi
co g+
MAXIMUM COVERAGE maple + black locust
4 5 6
sleep country high park greenlands public walkways
low level of public movement
summer solstice | sunlight + shade 9am june 21
es
4 5 6
sleep country high park greenlands public walkways
3pm june 21 NARROW, MINIMAL COVERAGE cherry tree + honey locust + pine
high level of public movement
low level of public movement
bli
BROAD CANOPY oak + honey locust,
age
ver
BLOOR STREET
BLOOR STREET
bedroom
studio
studio
BLOOR STREET
bedroom
studio
bedroom
bedroom
18m2
bedroom bedroom
36m2 28m2
36m2 28m2
45m2
48m2
18m2
45m2
48m2 25m2
25m2 25m2
IVE K DR PAR E LLIS
E LLIS
WENDIGO WAY
PAR
K DR
IVE
25m2
IVE
in
had
s
t+
K DR
es
MAXIMUM COVERAGE maple + black locust
ligh
r me
PAR
t re
co g+
sun
um
E LLIS
pu
s e in had
WENDIGO WAY
le ssib cce
typ
starbucks pizza hut ellis park medical
WENDIGO WAY
ly a ca l
ce spa
1 2 3
N winter shading analysis
vigarous winter shading analysis
9AM - 12PM - 3PM
every hour from 9AM to 4PM
summer shading analysis 9AM - 12PM - 3PM winter solstice | sunlight + shade 9am december 21 3pm december 21
summer solstice | sunlight + shade
sun
ligh
t+
s
um
r me
s
t+
2
3
4
1
municipal-owned public space
h
s e in had
ligh
semi-public amentity space
es
MAXIMUM COVERAGE maple + black locust
commercial public space
t re
ng adi
ge
sun
commercial public space
era
v + co
3pm june 21
w e in had
commercial public space
BROAD CANOPY oak + honey locust,
r
inte
9am june 21
parklands public space
NARROW, MINIMAL COVERAGE cherry tree + honey locust + pine
5
bloor street west pedestrian path
winter solstice | sunlight + shade
summer solstice | sunlight + shade
9am december 21
9am june 21
3pm december 21
accessibility to prospect + refuge in the urban fabric
3pm june 21
sun
in
in w
4
municipal-owned public space
commercial public space
3
sophie peterson | project 2a
public space
1
2
lig
+ ht
de sha
an analysis of reflective voids within the urban fabric semi-public amentity space
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commercial public space
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um
commercial public space
sun
+s
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high park west
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to
sou
th
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wendigo way semi-pedestrian pathway
1
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double helix house
BLOOR STREET
studio
bedroom
WENDIGO WAY
E LLI
S PA
RK D
RIVE
bedroom
N
site plan | 1:500
double helix house, wendigo way
plan | ground floor
kitchenette
powder
wardrobe bedroom courtyard
bathroom
nook
wendigo way
S1
ellis park drive
S2
studio
bedroom
living
dining
S2
S1
library + sitting
courtyard kitchen outdoor terrace
N 18m
15m
12m
9m
1 : 100
1
2
3
4
5
6m
10m 3m
0m
double helix house, wendigo way
plan | rooftop terrace
wendigo way
ellis park drive
bedroom
studio
bedroom
N
18m
15m
12m
9m
6m
1 : 100
1
2
3
4
5
N
10m
3m
0m
ellis park drive bloor street
wendigo way
section | long section
double helix house, wendigo way 1 : 100
1
2
3
4
5
10m
ellis park drive bloor street
wendigo way
section | interior long section
double helix house, wendigo way 1 : 100
1
2
3
4
5
10m
bloor street
site
section | facade elevation
double helix house, wendigo way 1 : 100
1
2
3
4
5
10m
by sophie peterson
university of toronto 2018 john h. dniels faculty of architecture aziza chaouni architecture studio III