Architecture
Why New Homes Are Harking Back to the 'Core House' Design of the 1950s
Timeless, functional and cost-effective, see how contemporary homes are using a 'fixed service core' to their advantage
The mid 20th century saw radical changes in planning and architecture in home design. The necessity for simple building solutions that were functional and addressed housing affordability was at the forefront of design. In the early 1950s architect Mies van der Rohe developed the Core House, which allowed interiors to be free and arranged at will around a fixed service core. It was basically a square house, surrounded by glass, with a ‘core’ in the middle containing the wet areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom. The number, size, and position of rooms could be easily changed around this core according to the circumstances. In fact, this concept was intended to be able to be adapted to different families and sites, making it perfect for prefabrication.
The following examples are contemporary takes on this concept, but go far beyond function and provide beautiful spaces for living.
The following examples are contemporary takes on this concept, but go far beyond function and provide beautiful spaces for living.
This contemporary kitchen appears to be designed as a fixed service core. The premise is to ‘cluster’ all plumbing and other services together to reduce the cost of running pipes long distances. Just imagine a hidden door to the side or rear of this unit to access a powder room and laundry. This particular example gives the room great dimension with the use of the timber panelling and shadowing.
See more contemporary kitchens
See more contemporary kitchens
Emphasising the core
Introducing another design concept of ‘layering,’ you can allow your fixed service core to stand out by defining it within the space.
Introducing another design concept of ‘layering,’ you can allow your fixed service core to stand out by defining it within the space.
You can also open up the space you have by lowering the core, allowing the ceiling to run through to other spaces. This gives the effect of one very large space being divided into two functional areas.
Back-to-back core
This home in Malvern, Melbourne, aligns the wet areas back-to-back to reduce the length of plumbing pipes. When designing on a budget everything counts! LSA Architects has made the most of circulation in this kitchen.
This home in Malvern, Melbourne, aligns the wet areas back-to-back to reduce the length of plumbing pipes. When designing on a budget everything counts! LSA Architects has made the most of circulation in this kitchen.
LSA Architects took further advantage of the fixed service core concept in this home, decorating another core with other functions, such as this fireplace and TV arrangement. This image shows off how a core can free up your facade for floor-to-ceiling windows.
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See more of this home
Show off your core
A fixed service core can be defined by using alternative finishes. Architect Scott Weston had fun with this worker’s cottage in Rozelle, Sydney, introducing yellow as a theme through the functional areas. This core also frees up the facade that can open up to a beautiful outdoor space, essentially doubling the size of the living areas.
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A fixed service core can be defined by using alternative finishes. Architect Scott Weston had fun with this worker’s cottage in Rozelle, Sydney, introducing yellow as a theme through the functional areas. This core also frees up the facade that can open up to a beautiful outdoor space, essentially doubling the size of the living areas.
See more of this worker’s cottage
Here is a perfect example using purist forms and hidden doors.
Fitting more into the core
Creating a fixed service core means you are creating walls, and you can use this space to house functions you would normally hide behind doors. By doing this you end up creating open spaces divided by function. Statkus Architecture celebrated the fixed service core in this home in Melbourne’s Northcote, concealing the laundry and guest bathroom adjacent to large sliders.
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Creating a fixed service core means you are creating walls, and you can use this space to house functions you would normally hide behind doors. By doing this you end up creating open spaces divided by function. Statkus Architecture celebrated the fixed service core in this home in Melbourne’s Northcote, concealing the laundry and guest bathroom adjacent to large sliders.
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A fixed service core can contain stairs with a powder room underneath, as seen in this renovation. Layering the library into the core, the Modernist style disappears.
Exposing the core’s function
There is no need to be shy when you are dealing with small spaces. You can easily hide services in solid walls and create depth by layering opaque glass.
There is no need to be shy when you are dealing with small spaces. You can easily hide services in solid walls and create depth by layering opaque glass.
When facade area is rare, creating an internal room enclosed by opaque glass allows natural light into the space and also puts a little sexiness back into your project.
See more of this home
See more of this home
Vertical cores
Stacking the wet areas in a house, as can be seen here, will save you money, make building sense and free up your facade.
Stacking the wet areas in a house, as can be seen here, will save you money, make building sense and free up your facade.
A fixed service core allows for a continuous facade of glass without interruption over many levels. It also allows you to have more control over the feasibility for building and the budget, so that you can create your dream home.
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Do you have or know of a design that takes advantage of the fixed service core? Let us know in the comments section.
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Find an architect in your area
TELL US MORE
Do you have or know of a design that takes advantage of the fixed service core? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Mid-Century Modern
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Open Plan
Mid-Century Modern Kitchens: 12 Key Design Elements
Clustering wet areas in the core of the house, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and adding wardrobes and stairs, designers are able to achieve open-plan spaces and free facades of clutter. Architect Ian Moore used the fixed service core idea to its fullest potential in this stunning home on Saddleback Mountain, about two hours’ drive south of Sydney. Moore sited the core above the foundations, hiding the services entering the projection, making building easier and, therefore, more cost effective.
Step inside this rural home