Overview
The brief was a self-build house in which the owner could retire, grow food, entertain and enjoy the landscape. The site offered a combination of the elements of rolling England and agricultural Holland, restrained by stringent local planning parameters for rural development. A genuine appreciation of vernacular farm buildings shared by dRMM and the client/builder led to a unique expression of the local timber framed and clad ‘shed’ idiom.
The outcome is three conventional building forms with unconventional detailing, radical performance, and a big surprise. A linear building of apparent simplicity is sliced into three programs; house, garage and annex. The shifted garage creates a courtyard between the three. The composition is further defined by material and color; red rubber membrane and glass, red and black stained larch.
The surprise: a 20 ton mobile roof/wall enclosure which traverses the site, creating combinations of enclosure, open-air living and framing of views according to position. Movement is powered by hidden electric motors on wheels integrated into the walls.
Sliding House (uniquely) offers radically variable spaces and is a denial of static architecture. It is about the ability to alter the overall building composition and character according to season, weather, or a remote-controlled desire to delight.
