Holiday home in Australia equates mathematics to architecure
The surfaces that mathematicians have developed hold intrigue for architects as they hold a
promise of new spatial relationships and configurations. Technology (CAD) has played an
important part in all this, it is now more possible to efficiently describe more complex shapes and
spaces and communicate these to the build. Previously the more orthogonal means of
communication – plans, sections and elevations naturally encourage buildings which are more
easily described in these terms, i.e. boxes. Klein Bottle House in Mornington Peninsula, Australia applies the logic of the Klein Bottle, a shape which folds into itself to become one continuous volume.
From the
outset the architects McBride Charles Ryan (MCR) wanted a building that nestled within the tree line. That talked about journey and the
playfulness of holiday time. What began as a spiral or shell like building developed into a more
complex spiral, the Klein bottle. MCR were keen to be topologically true to the Klein bottle but it
had to function as a home. We thought an origami version of the bottle would be achievable and
hold some ironic fascination.
The house revolves around a central courtyard, a grand regal stair connecting all the levels. There
is a sense of both being near and far to all occupants.
Its endless, curling shell-like quality particularly in the tee tree brings about a comforting
togetherness.
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