This house is a microcosm for a community.
Basically, each function of the house is represented by a separate volume with it's own distinct identity.
But the volumes are united with a collective identity by the water and the orientation and views to the central gathering place. They will also be united through material but I haven't got that far yet.
The site is in a subdivision in Markham, which has a large demographic of Chinese individuals. So I took some elements from Fung Shui as a starting point. Mainly the significance of water, and the diagram of all the functions of a home revolving around a central space which represents the earth. It is basically all about achieving harmony. It's become more abstracted as time goes by, but it was an initial inspiration.
The house is designed to be welcoming from the street and the neighbours, offering sightline through to the gathering place. The water element is used to visually pull one towards and through the space.
It's a work in progress... don't judge too harshly.
