HONOURING CONTEXT
In a bold diversion from the subdued hues of modernism, Misho, Founder Misho+Associates, celebrates the living environment of each site reflecting colour, seasons, and ecosystems. When developing the design for Rosevear House, a tranquil parcel of subdivided land with views of the Tamar river in Tasmania, Misho sought guidance from the site, the client brief and the environment. When reflecting on the design process Misho says:
“Tasmania has amazing and dramatic sky cloud formations all year due to the southern latitude during the day and at night, so the internal views are straight out to the river and straight up into the sky. The house is sited between the main trees and as the trees are deciduous, in winter they allow maximum sun penetration into large roof windows and during summer the canopies shade the roof windows.”
The deciduous tree life cycle not only played a role in the climate efficiency of Rosevear House, the trees also informed its colour. Misho explains: “The yellow used for Rosevear reflects the deciduous trees and the leaves in autumn. The colour is screened behind the timber slats which blend the house into the surrounding tree canopies.” But this was not his first time drawing from the local flora to inspire colour in his design. “A house I did in Premaydena in Tasmania, which was orange, was a reflection of the orange lichen, that could be found within a hundred metres of the house and across the rocks along the ocean.” Knowing what a leap of faith it can be for clients trusting someone else with colour, he has experimented with colour on his own home. “My own place reflects the calistaiums and wattle that is on my property and flower for six months a year.”
Misho’s own philosophy of design is progressive, but firmly based in traditional craftsmanship. “CAD is an amazing tool, it’s not, in my option how you design. The human brain is an amazing tool that holds emotion and feeling as well as functional aspects that a computer does not understand,” says Misho. While valuing the role of sustainable design, Misho is wary of labelling his approach.“I do not believe in and avoid the “green wash”. The environment is fundamental and should be architecture 101, not be part of a specialised area as it has become. I believe that good design should move people and evoke joy, happiness and well being.”
When working on Rosevear House, it was important that the 3D images honoured the context of the design. Modelling the established trees allowed Misho to illustrate to clients how his design respectfully worked with the existing landscape. It was also great fun working with colour and the way Misho crafts external materials which are sculpted rather than fitted to the design. When asked about the 3D process and it’s ability to convey the design intent, Misho says: “Very happy with the process, and we will work again.”
