"Contrary to what you might expect, I do not want a simple house. I want a complicated house because it will determine my world." - the client.
Idiosyncratic - The house isn't just another residence, it is a unique house for a specific person with a particular need.
The Elevator - Rather than building a house on a single floor to accommodate someone with a disability, Koolhaas decided to build an elevator which became the heart of the house.
The platform becomes a part of each room as it moves vertically throughout the house while also being an extension of the client. Interestingly, he has more access to the house with only the platform being able to reach the cellar and bookshelves which span the height of the residence.
Juxtaposition - The cavern-like basement built into the earth for the more intimate parts of the house. The glass living room open to the outside landscape. The perforated concrete box containing the bedrooms.
Balance - there is an interesting eccentricity to the balance of the house with one of the supports, the spiral stair case, being off centre but having a steel beam on the roof to counterbalance.
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