The Moebius House by Tony Owen Partners
Tony Owen Partners have completed the Moebius House in Sydney, Australia.
Full description after the photos….

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The Moebius House by Tony Owen Partners
This family house faces onto views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The house explores the maximisation of light, space, ventilation and views on a tight sight. We are exploring a more environmentally sensitive form of design called ‘micro design’. Micro design utilises parametric modelling software which can respond to very small changes to design input criteria. In this case issues such as maximising ventilation, views and efficiency of structure and minimising impacts to neighbours views and overshadowing were the key design criteria.
The unique form is a response to the requirements to maintain view and solar corridors.
We started by responding to the site with a series of movements which folded and twisted the space in order to maximise the changes of level, view opportunities and potential for connectivity to outside spaces at various ground planes. We created a dynamic model capable of responding to changes in these variables and allowed the models to run in real time. We then stopped the model when we felt we had a model which satisfied our concerns.
The house has a fluidity of space which is a direct result of having a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Automotive Assembly Process
Due to the complex geometry of this house and the need for such fine tolerances, we had to evolve a completely new system of fabrication and assembly for this house.
We started off designing a house, but in the end the construction process more closely resembles that of a car.
Early on it became apparent that this house would have to be detailed and documented entirely in 3 dimensions. The steel frame house is clad in metal panels which were pre-cut in China.
In a traditional house the floor and walls are built first and the roof is added. The Moebius House is being assembled around a chasis like a car would be.
Visit the website of Tony Owen Partners – here.
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Paul on 25 Jan 2010 at 3:38 pm #
As much as I want to love it…I just can’t. I feel it’s at odds with the surrounding environment and perhaps it’s due to the proximity of the older homes located within an arm’s length.
Hans on 25 Jan 2010 at 9:09 pm #
Sydney needs more houses like this. The older homes around it are nothing special. If you’ve been to Australia, they’re everywhere on every street.
Obray McEwen Lyman on 26 Jan 2010 at 1:45 am #
Perhaps it doesn’t fit in its current surroundings, but it is great to see something new for a change instead of “yet another box” shaped modern house. And eventually over time, the surrounding houses will want to be more current and will upgrade. It only takes one maverick to push the boundaries and inspire the rest. Now, only if it had more colour…
othoha on 26 Jan 2010 at 7:54 am #
muy innovador el diseño
Zach on 26 Jan 2010 at 10:08 am #
Wow, a cruise ship just got docked in that neighborhood!
Rudy on 26 Jan 2010 at 6:04 pm #
This looks very retro space-age. Would be nice as a prop in a SF flic from that era, but we now know this isn’t the future.
AsmaM on 27 Jan 2010 at 1:46 pm #
Could you please let us know wat are the basic… requriments that you have taken into consideration while taking up this bulding…indeed its Awesomm but we would love to know the in details of it…
Cos we designers can learn from the best and give the world the best in future too…:)
A R C H E N O N on 28 Jan 2010 at 6:16 am #
the house is certainly “wow” i do like it and dont mind that it is where it is, just love that it doesnt immitate its surroundings or allows itself to be “forced” to “fit in”.
is there an equivalent word for rascism or ethinc tolerance when it comes to architecture?
did this house require planning permit? or is it “single detached” like in melbourne where it wouldnt it wouldnt require planning permit? if so how did one manage to convince council in regards to streetscape sensitivity & character?
just spent the today at vcat tribunal fighting for approval for 3 2storey units in coburg. council knocked back original design coz it was “out of character” i have changed it and toned it down and made it bland, boring & conventional(ended up mock period something or other which is typical throughout most of suburbia) but council still had issues with it.
anyone here working in melbourne? using rescode?
has issues with “neighbourhood character”?
i call for definitions clearly stated in planing codes for words like “articulation” “complimentary” “sensitive” “harmonious” etc to establish a common language & understanding so that all parties can be satisfied.
direct feedback & calls for debate and design revolution in suburbia before architecture is completely obliterated…most welcome
archenon@optusnet.com.au
Stephen Jolly on 09 Mar 2010 at 9:49 pm #
The innovation is huge. I trust the exterior skin has a porcelain or similar finish, because it would be a bitch to repaint.
Dennis on 06 Aug 2010 at 5:34 am #
this is going to age really quickly and really badly