In our latest research, Design Director Elena Vogt explores the shifting definition of 'Luxury.' No longer defined by gold or excess, true luxury in the 21st century is the 'Energy Autonomy' of the home. This paper analyzes the integration of phase-change materials and passive ventilation in the Eton Residences, achieving a state where the building functions as a living organism rather than a mechanical consumption machine.
"A building should breathe as its occupants do. Mechanical systems are a failure of architectural foresight."
We explore how South Australia's unique climate allows for a radical departure from global glass-box architecture in favor of high-thermal-mass, site-responsive pavilions. The Eton House project serves as our primary case study in the implementation of "Atmosphere over Form," demonstrating that architectural beauty and thermodynamic efficiency are not mutually exclusive.
The Haptic Response to Climate
The use of raw timber and site-cast concrete in Eton House is not merely aesthetic. These materials have been calculated for their specific heat capacity, allowing the building to store solar energy during the day and release it slowly throughout the evening, maintaining a stable internal temperature without the need for active cooling.
This "Spatial Silence" is as much about thermal stability as it is about acoustic isolation. Within the South Australian context, where temperature fluctuations can be extreme, this methodology provides a level of comfort that mechanical systems simply cannot replicate.