Madisonhouse

Project Description

Madisonhouse is configured to protect it against extreme sun and strong desert winds, while creating a sequence of free-flowing indoor-outdoor spaces that open up towards the landscape. The project was conceived as a series of freestanding volumes set below and between projecting horizontal slabs. These freestanding volumes made of stone, concrete and oak are positioned and configured to create indoor-outdoor spaces on different scales flowing between them. Building components and fixtures were selected to achieve environmental objectives. Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) walls were used throughout the project, creating super-insulated R60 assemblies. Four-foot thick stone and concrete walls, deep glazing recesses and large cantilevered overhangs were incorporated to insulate the house from extreme desert heat. The house opens in every direction to draw air through a thermal chimney. The courtyard pool and main pool provide evaporative cooling for the ground floor areas. High performance glass, high efficiency mechanical systems, fixtures and photovoltaic panels optimise the energy profile of the house further.