Yu-En Timmy Lin - ARCH 1390

Influenced by both “Falling Water” and the “Hemeroscopium House”, Cascata Abitazione literally meaning ‘waterfall dwelling. It is a place of paradise and serenity. Built on top of a tumbling waterfall, this building needs to be structurally sound and held in place and constructed with the uttermost care.

Long cantilevers and terraces are what adorn this building, stretching out towards nature, challenging and defying gravity. Made out of stone and reinforced concrete, the aim of the house is to make it relate to the nature as much as possible, making each space unique and in synch with nature.

A contrast between heavy and light materials, this building constantly challenges the concept of construction and structure. How is it that some slender steel beams can hold up several tons of heavy reinforced concrete? It all lies in the initial construction where everything is built around the centre living space. Rooms protrude out in different directions, and the swimming pool (influenced from Hemeroscopium) defies gravity by jutting out proudly in the air, precariously over the waterfall. Though it is kind of dangerous, it gives an exhilarating feel that some might enjoy.

Narrow corridors and hall ways open up into large spacious areas where the residents can enjoy the open air and spectacular views. This was purposely constructed this way to maximise the sense of space. Constructed like the Hemeroscopium House, the beams within this building intersect with each other, and help support each other’s weight, evenly distributing the load of the residents and any external forces that might be acting on it.

The sense of space and light is very important to a house like this. Maximum lighting is achieved through large windows where the light can shine through. The numbers of windows present also allow a more spacial feel, making the interior a little bit more airy. This is essential as the materials used to construct the building are of heavy material.

Fitted out with 2 large bedrooms, and entertainment room, lounge, kitchen and bathroom, this house is meant for a small family or a couple. The separation between the bedrooms allow privacy if the client wanted to turn it into a guest room. Spaces are nearly all in a way exposed to the elements, ensuring great caution when walking between places. This sense of caucation reduces as the viewer is lost into the panoramic beauty of the nature. when the sky begins to dim, luminous LED lights start to beam, illuminating the whole building, giving it a glow similar to the moon.

This contrasts with the fact how in the day time, it blends with the nature in every way, but when it reaches night time, it stands out, just like how the building stands out by jutting over the cliff. This shows how just simple lights will be able to change the perspective of an object and make you think again how you will perceive such an interesting dimension in space. Truly, the Cascata Abitazione is a paradise brought down from heaven itself.