Rebirth Materials House designed by Housescape Design Lab
Rebirth Materials House, designed by Housescape Design Lab, exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture that prioritizes sustainability and harmony with nature. This guest house extends the larger main residence on the same site, with a design focused on functionality while prioritizing its integration into the surrounding landscape. The house’s strategic location adjacent to the property’s garden area was one of the primary design considerations, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with its natural environment.
A significant challenge was the house’s façade, which faces the intense afternoon sun and serves as the first visual point of contact for visitors. The design team sought innovative solutions for light filtering, allowing the structure to harmonize with its surroundings. This led to the use of glass edges that diffuse and reflect light, a concept previously explored in the Gimme Shelter project.
The glass utilized for this project was sourced from a factory in the Saraphi district, where leftover materials were earmarked for disposal. By repurposing this glass, Housescape Design Lab reduced the consumption of resources typically associated with glass production, transforming what would have been waste into a vital component of the design.
The assembly of the leftover glass sheets required careful calculation of weight and an arrangement that could withstand local wind pressures. This careful consideration resulted in gaps within the structure, allowing wind to flow through while ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the varied colored edges, which blended harmoniously with the surrounding greenery.
Additionally, the design incorporated innovative use of plastic waste sourced from local factories. Broken wine bottles and plastic scraps were strategically placed within the gaps between 10 mm thick tempered glass, which was also recycled. This combination of materials—steel, glass, and plastic—demonstrates a novel approach to utilizing everyday waste, contributing to the house’s unique character.
Local sourcing was central to the project’s philosophy, emphasizing what is termed a “Domestic Turn.” By utilizing materials and labor within a 10-kilometer radius, Housescape Design Lab aimed to minimize transportation and engage local artisans, integrating their knowledge into the project.
Reclaimed components from a nearby dismantled house, such as doors and windows, were incorporated into the design, reflecting the history and craftsmanship of the area. The original security bars were adapted to serve as structural reinforcements for the front plywood wall, while old wooden stair balusters, known locally as “lòok klûng ban-dai,” were creatively integrated to soften the overall aesthetic.
The design philosophy behind the Rebirth Materials House emphasizes a balanced relationship between humans and nature. The architects created various spaces to foster interaction before entering the building, utilizing large eaves and terraces at varying levels. These features not only enhance connectivity but also encourage diverse activities outside the structure.
The design intentionally blurs the lines between the indoor and outdoor environments, inviting a fluid experience where boundaries are minimized. This “Inside out, outside in” approach allows occupants to feel a deep connection to the surrounding landscape, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable and harmonious living.
Photo credits: Rungkit Charoenwat, courtesy of Housescape Design Lab, shared with permission
Housescape Design Lab: https://www.housescape-delab.com
