Some architects sculpt the land to fit the house. But Outside House is a prime example of a house being designed to fit the land. This amazing property, built on a lava flow that is around three hundred years old, takes open-plan living to the extreme, with absolutely no walls or partitions to separate the inhabitants from the natural surroundings.
The property mainly consists of two pavilions, clad in wester red cedar with a layer of reflective film. These pavilions sit on a lightweight steel frame that can be assembled by just two people, with any heavy equipment or machinery. Both pavilions are completely demountable – so the house can technically be moved around to any location with ease.
Of course, to have a home without any exterior walls demands a certain climate. Outside House is located on the island of Maui, with the Pacific Ocean visible from the decking area living space. Naturally, this means temperatures will remain at a level suitable for outdoor habitation.
With solar panels, rainwater collection facilities and a compost toilet, the home allows for self-sufficiency, and a total connection with nature. Just a few weeks living outside like this could reward the inhabitant with a number of health benefits, including less stress and increased physical activity.
The only enclosed section of the property houses the bedroom. There’s also a concealed shower, and the slanted roof above provides shelter to the kitchen space in case of rain. Such is the beauty and innovation of this property, it was recently given the top prize in the Building Voices Design Competition, beating 111 visionary proposals from all over the world.
