The Dwell Home
Chapel Hill, North Carolina USA
The Dwell home is conceived of as a series of spaces ‘veiled’ in a multi-layered facade which incorporates the geometry of the surrounding landscape in abstract. Internally, a free-for plan replaces walls to shape a variety of living spaces. The structure is a simple prefabricated steel frame supporting precast concrete floor panels at ground level, and compressed straw panels for the first floor and roof. The main load-bearing elements are inboard, forming “book-ends” to the core elements that contain the service functions.
The Facade system provides structural bracing by means of rods acting within the fiberglass mesh. The cladding is a ventilated cavity system, enveloped by a mesh veil performing as a sun shading insect screening and structural bracing. The cavity facade is made of multi-cell polycarbonate. Utilizing the stack-effect it tempers the internal environment, minimizing energy consumption. The translucency also provides ample daylighting. A contemporary interpretation of traditional “jealousy balconies”, the veil allows new ways of living intimately with the outdoors.
Structure
Enstruct Group
Environmental design
Steensen Varming
Quantity Surveyor
Milliken Berson Madden