Atelier Red + Black’s garden pavilion in Mount Waverley, Victoria demonstrates that architectural design needn’t be large-scale to be effective.

Rose Garden Origami is an attached garden pavilion which has been carefully crafted to capitalise on outdoor living space. The pavilion mediates between a tranquil, north-facing rose garden and the internal living areas of the suburban townhouse, and is the manifestation of a considered and effortful approach to a seemingly simple brief.

The clients requested a shade canopy that could protect the townhouse’s west-facing windows from summer solar penetration without overly impeding on internal natural light levels. Additionally, and on trend with Australia’s predilection for open planned living, the clients also requested that AR+B’s architecture created a connected space between interior and exterior living. 

AR+B’s response is nothing like your ordinary shade structure and demonstrates a proficiency in solar modelling and architectural detailing. 

IMG_9608-683x1024.jpgThe project answers the client’s brief of a shade canopy that would protect the west facing windows of the townhouse, while at the same time not making the interior too dark 

IMG_9648_edited-683x1024.jpgThough an eloquent and crisp profile was retained as a key design element, it also had to allow for the occasional high wind loads that a stormy Melbourne evening can bring

IMG_9662-Edited1-1024x682.jpgRose Garden Origami has assisted in reducing the internal temperature of the townhouse during summer, with AR+B’s clients reporting a five to 10-degree Celsius temperature reduction 

Vivid white metal sheets have been folded similarly to origami, making this a unique feature of the project. These origami-like modules reflect morning sunlight onto the deck below and provide shade during the afternoon, giving the space a hand-crafted feel.

 Unlike other shade structures which are more than often fully-enclosed, AR+B’s design aimed to capture the ever-changing nature of daylight. The modules are fixed via a square grid of timber joists, and because there wasn’t sufficient opportunity for the structure of the existing townhouse to be extended upon or attached to, it is supported by a free-standing steel frame.

Though an eloquent and crisp profile was retained as a key design element, it also had to allow for the occasional high wind loads that a stormy Melbourne evening can bring.

Rose Garden Origami has assisted in reducing the internal temperature of the townhouse during summer, with AR+B’s clients reporting a five to 10-degree Celsius temperature reduction.

"The design is carefully calibrated to brighten the living room in the morning and protect it from the western sun in the afternoon, particularly in the summer," says Atelier Red + Black architect, Michael Smith. 

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The clients requested a shade canopy that connected with the interior living space 
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Vivid white metal sheets have been folded similarly to origami, making this a unique feature of the project