The building as a Precedent

I have just recently re-found a PDF which I introduces the design and construction which produced C3, which followed the small building I have been living in [C2 - the C representing Castle]. C3 can be seen in the above photo, next to its C2.

I have included this as a reminder that the building I have been living in was the first version, in a series of experimentation, and that it was a learning tool. In this way the issues and problems which I have illustrated within the 'Living with the Castle Report' become more significant, and can be seen as quite valuable.

How its been.

After a couple of fairly unorganised and busy weeks I finally have a chance to reflect on how the project is going and whats the next step.

I really haven't had to opportunity to inhabitate the building in the way I wish, and as such intend to bring this stage of the investigation to a close. This is a shame, but an outcome of the investigation and study life, and their differences. This should not be seen as a reflection of the building as a housing model, as it is just so lovely to live in and be in, and I think it makes you live in a nicer, simpler and more satisfying manner.

Over the last couple of weeks I have found myself continually removing items, initially the plants, then some clothes, then some teas and coffees from the building. This is a conscious thing, and Im reluctant to do this as it signifies me, moving parts of myself out of the building, lessening my relationship with it. The building still stands, in the yard as a reminder of its presence, but its now represents not a life, but a lack of life - a removal.

I now intend to begin organising the handing back of the building to YouthFutures, and finish preparing the buildings user manual. I am yet to set a date, however my original date [the beginning of easter] will most likely require changing due to study plans over the easter period.

Living With The Castle Report

I apologise for not posting much recently. School has returned and I have been keeping busy in the preparation of a report on the buildings suitability as a domestic building. This is now complete, thus I can now begin the task of preparing a Users Manual for future occupants, and hopefully get stuck into the rest of my studies.

The report is functionally driven, and as such is both limited in its scope and fairly dry reading, however the aim was not to create a beautiful piece of writing, but to provide helpfull infromation, which can hopefully assist in the design of future small buildings.

Living Issues

Im currently struggling to live within the micro home when the conveniences of a larger home are so close. This sounds silly, and upsets me to write (as I do really enjoy living in the micro home), but for a few fundamental reasons I seem to be spending more time in the bigger, normal house.

I think primarily because my partner lives in the larger house, and is a little reluctant to spend time in the smaller building (understandable as its my project not hers, and unfair that I should rope her into it more than I already have) I spend more time around her in spaces which we can comfortably share. The space within the mirco building is obviously smaller, and less comfortable for two people to occupy.

The space it self is adaptable, but difficult to adapt for two, especially when we are required to do quite different tasks, with different requirements. It also becomes difficult to step between different tasks (ie. the act of going from studying to making a tea or coffee which is simple and easy in the larger house, becomes more challenging in the smaller one as the preparation space and other occupy-able spaces almost play-off each other, and a reorganisation of objects is generally required) and to multitask efficiently.

Another issue which I have identified, and commented on is the lack of a fridge within the smaller building. I coped perfectly well in my last location by just using an esky, however when a fridge is present (as in the large house) I use it, without remorse. Esky's are high maintenance, less effective, smaller, and generally keep food worse than fridges.

Its difficult to explain why I seem to spend more time in the larger house, and every reason I think of could equally be said of the smaller house (ie. everything is grouped together and is convenient, which can be said for both, yet is different through experience).

I am now considering moving to a different location within Launceston to distance myself from the conveniences of 'big house living' and have a few possible sites.

While I dont really want to admit that moving to my current location has been a failure, it has been, and I think that moving to a different location would better provide for my requirements at this stage.

Sites of Interest Addition

I though it best to announce that I have added a link to My PhotoStream to the Sites of Interest area as the Slideshow only shows the most recent photos. The PhotoStream is a collection of all the images that I have uploaded specifically for the Slideshow and does not include any other images.