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Writer's pictureOllie O'Shea

The Potential of Self-Building in New Zealand


The idea of a self-build is not very prevalent in NZ, however, in certain countries overseas it is gaining traction. Often funding can be one of the key obstacles when attempting to self-build, as banks may be more hesitant to loan money to a project that is not built by a professional. In this post, we outline one potential route to get around some of these obstacles.


The concept of freeing the floor plan has been around for a long time. This departure from traditional (pre-industrialisation) compartmentalised spaces has led to a reimagining of buildings as dynamic, open environments that prioritise flexibility and fluidity. One of the pioneers of this movement was the renowned architect Le Corbusier, whose revolutionary "Domino House" concept challenged the conventional norms of building design.

 


open floor plan, self build, self-build, architect, lower hutt, wellington, Central Otago



Le Corbusier's Domino House

 

Le Corbusier, a visionary architect of the 20th century, introduced the Domino House as a radical departure from traditional structural systems. The Domino House (above), conceived in 1914, was a modular system that envisioned a building supported by a grid of reinforced concrete columns and slabs. This groundbreaking idea laid the foundation for a new way of thinking about architectural design, emphasising the liberation of interior spaces from the constraints of load-bearing walls.

 

The Domino House concept was revolutionary for its time, proposing a skeletal structure that could be clad in various materials, allowing for versatility in design and function. This forward-thinking approach inspired a generation of architects to reconsider the role of internal walls and embrace a more liberated approach to floor plans.

 


What it means today

 

The essence of freeing the floor plan lies in breaking down the barriers that traditionally define interior spaces. Conventional floor plans often featured segmented rooms with rigid functions, restricting the flow of natural light and impeding the organic movement of inhabitants within the space. Open floor plans seek to dismantle these partitions, creating a seamless and adaptable environment that fosters connectivity and freedom of movement.

In New Zealand, our reliance on Timber Balloon Framing (reputedly named to denigrate its lightness and presumed frailty) became the standard due to the accessibility of standardised timber sizes and the efficiency of sawmills. The structural concept was born in the US in the mid-19th century and was rapidly adopted in NZ. However, there are many ways to design a building’s structure and the basic principles of the domino house are still relevant today.

Timber Balloon Framing often relies on the walls to carry gravity, wind and earthquake loads to the foundations, while easy to construct it can often mean less opportunity, for both flexibility and when making alterations in the future. In the UK there is a growing self-build movement and many people are finding that a structural system built and enclosed from the weather allows the opportunity to self build the interior, freeing time constraints on the budget, in order to create special and unique spaces which otherwise might have been beyond there initial capabilities.

 

 

Benefits of Alternate Structural Systems

 

Spatial Flexibility: Open floor plans allow for the dynamic use of space, adapting to the changing needs of occupants. A single, expansive area can serve multiple functions, from living and dining to work and entertainment.


Natural Light and Ventilation: By removing internal walls, natural light can permeate throughout the entire space, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. Improved ventilation is another advantage, as air circulates freely without being hindered by enclosed rooms.


Sense of Connection: Open floor plans promote a sense of connection and interaction among occupants. Whether in residential or commercial settings, this design encourages communication and collaboration, fostering a more communal atmosphere but also importantly allowing the building to be zoned and rezoned for the life of the structure.


Aesthetic Appeal: The visual appeal of open spaces is undeniable. Unobstructed lines of sight contribute to a sense of expansiveness and can showcase architectural features, artwork, or panoramic views.


Self-Build Potential: Alternative structural systems can free the homeowner to do a lot more work themselves as the design, structural and weather tightness elements can still be done by qualified trades, leaving a blank canvas within for the homeowner.

 

 

 

Conclusion



Le Corbusier's Domino House laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift in architectural design, challenging the conventions of load-bearing walls and inspiring a movement towards open and flexible floor plans. Embracing the freedom of the floor plan allows homeowners to create spaces that adapt to their evolving needs, fostering a sense of connection, collaboration, and overall well-being. As we continue to push the boundaries of traditional design, the legacy of pioneers like Le Corbusier serves as a reminder of the transformative power of rethinking the structure and internal walls within our built environments. At 27acres we are well equipped to assist you if you are looking to take an innovative approach to building in New Zealand, contact us for a free design consultation today.

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1 Comment


vincentchilton
Nov 28, 2023

Well written, thank you!

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