Understanding the internal envelope of your home
Think of a white cube (an aptly named gallery space in London, whitecube.com) with six planes; now consider this as an exhibition space and how we make it fit for purpose. The four white walls and ceiling are pre-existing, now visualise a timber or concrete floor with one or two exits, but otherwise a room devoid of visual noise creating the perfect ‘blank canvas’ or ‘envelope’ for displaying works of art. Now translate that principle to your home and look at it in context.
If we think of the ‘building envelope’ as the structural barrier between the internal and external, we can consider the internal envelope as a series of surfaces that include ceiling, walls and floors within that barrier, requiring finishes. There are of course more complex issues at play, but for the purpose of function and beauty, these constitute some of the high volume decision-making at early building phase. When we look at these for how they work in context and for their performance over time, we are ensuring a futureproof and cohesive space that creates the canvas of your home.
Let’s now revisit the white cube and consider its footprint as a home that’s fit for purpose. Will it be an open-plan or closed arrangement? What is the function of each room and how will they flow and connect with each other? Imagine the potential for kitchen and bathroom design without the constraints of wall openings or first fix mechanical. What kind of windows will suit. Now consider the materials you wish to use on floors, ceilings and wall surfaces, then think through every hard surface you put in your kitchen, bath and utility. How will these tie together and how will we introduce light in the space? By looking in detail we begin to visualise the further elements necessary, to making that room functional and beautiful.
Understanding the internal envelope will make you more decisive on a new build and assist you with choice on a renovation project as these hard finishes inform your style throughout your home. Capturing your space is how I assist you make these high volume decisions on your project. When approaching a renovation, it is likely that one (or all) of these surfaces will require an upgrade maybe due to disrepair, material choice or colour. Once these hard choices are made, decision-making on the remainder of your home becomes more confident and purposeful avoiding you costly rework later on in your project and into the foreseeable future.
