GREEN BEAN
Arctic Studio
ARCHITECTS
Arctic Studio
LOCATION
Onsala, Sweden
CATEGORY
Houses
AREA
170.0 m²
PROJECT YEAR
2009
PHOTOGRAPHS
Carl Ander
Text description provided by architect.
Arctic Studio is an architecture office that works with unique design and high quality in a limited selection of projects. We focus on housing projects with dedicated clients and challenging conditions. The studio was founded in Göteborg, Sweden in 2005 by Josef Wideström and Björn Gross.
We both work with research and teaching at Chalmers Technical University in the fields of Housing Inventions and Interaction Design. The studio is a platform between theory and practice, where innovative concepts can be investigated in full scale.
LIMITED ARCHITECTURE
Architecture is limited space defined by design obstructions. We use the context to set up these design obstructions in order to define space with a specific purpose and direction.
The context is defined by the project limitations, such as topography, landscape, clients’ specifications, weather conditions, municipality regulations, environmental concern, and project budget. As a means to work with these limitations in a creative and productive way, we set up obstructions as game play rules that define the framework of the project.
These obstructions can define concept, material, organization, construction, motion, and interaction between space and user. With this approach we see the limitations not as difficulties but rather the fuel for creativity and innovative solutions. We do not think outside the box, we create the new box!
CONCEPT
The concept of the Green Bean house is a organic spiral motion in the internal organization of the spaces, both in plan and in section. This creates a fluent sequence of spaces that is contained in the simplicity of the box-shaped volume.
In order to achieve minimal energy loss and take advantage of the sun radiation, the volume is open towards the south, closed to the north and wrapped in vegetation from east to west, over the roof. The two axes of the cross plan connects the entrance side to the private garden and creates transparency through the house.
