On a Noosa Hinterland site that is flanked on the northern side by a lush tropical wall of 40
metre tall trees, this deceptively small yet undeniably dynamic building allows for the owners
to live simply and comfortably whilst maximizing their engagement with a very special site.
The architecture is a dual concept, using an operable, insulated, box for cooler months that
opens to a tent-like amenity in warmer months. The walls, or doors, of the box slide open
manually, while the roof, or lid, has an automated sliding operation. With the roof fully open
the translucent tent membrane comes into view and a new volume, light, and material is
experienced.
A simple pavilion plan of open living spaces and 3 bedrooms; the home runs along the east-
west contour allowing all rooms to enjoy the rainforest view to the north whilst maximizing
winter solar gain. The design follows proven sustainable strategies in the siting, planning and
orientation. The project maximizes passive solar gain, encourages natural cross
ventilation and with the ‘fly roof’ over the pavilion taking the brunt of the sun and
heat a further stack ventilation process takes place. Rainwater is retained in 3 x
18’000 litre aqua plate tanks and is used for general house purposes and to also
maintain the veggie patch. Sunlight is captured in a small photovoltaic system
with the ability to expand cell numbers and storage.
Several large Tallowood trees where felled to clear the site then milled and
seasoned and used for all door and window reveals and solid timber joinery
details – notably the bulwark like handles to the robe doors.
Series of endemic plant stock was planted extensively throughout the site.
Onsite mulching utilized fallen trees and conditioning of existing soil using only
on site materials. Full site water filtration & infiltration system with a series of dry
creek beds, swales and waterfall assisting in water use sustaining plants in lieu
of a plumbed irrigation system. This forest clearing addressing a pocket of rainforest in the Noosa hinterland, is approached
through a typical neighbourhood of rural houses and acreage dwellings. The journey to the
house continues from the street via a winding bush track through the forest which acts as a
threshold between the constructed world and that of the clearing, a place remnant of early
settlement in the region; a camp.
Flanking the northern side of the camp is a lush tropical wall of trees, 40m tall. A small creek
along this boundary also provides a riparian corridor for local flora and fauna.
Due to the limited size of the clearing the house needed to address the full height of the
forest ‘wall’ and look to capture the sky above, or risk a feeling of confinement. The scale and
density of the surrounding forest also reduces winter sun penetration and ultimately creates
its own micro-climate.
The brief called for a 3 bedroom family dwelling with a central open plan living and kitchen
space. Responding to this and the unique site, the living space feeds to east and west
corridors providing bedroom access, and nooks for study, day bed and storage. The pavilion
running along the east-west contour allows all rooms to enjoy the rainforest view to the north
maximizing winter solar gain.
The architectural response is a duel concept pairing an operable insulated box for cooler
months that allows habitation to a tent-like amenity in warmer months. The walls, or doors, of
the box slide open manually, while the roof, or lid, has an automated sliding operation. With
the roof fully open the translucent tent membrane comes into view and a new volume, light,
and material is experienced. As the doors slide open the forest wall becomes an architectural
element; a natural wall that contains a broader space of the house plan, stretching it across
the remaining clearing and garden.
The tent roof serves as a ‘fly roof’ above the insulated roof and takes the brunt of the heat
load. The void between the two roof elements allows for a simple stack ventilation process.
The varied pitches of the tent roof maximise winter sun penetration and protects the east,
west and southern exposures.
The choice of dark grounding colours for the box forms a contrast against the white tent and
supporting structure. A relationship between the two is nevertheless achieved through subtle
shaping of the box – rounding the corners of the building and cabinetry, and expressed CHS
columns.
Two primary architectural elements; shelter and security, are tested within this proposition. A
dual mode of habitat is achieved - an enclosed and sheltered mode, and the other open and
expansive allowing the occupants a direct relationship to their natural surroundings. The
building ultimately provides a spatial opportunity that flexes between an interior and an
exterior condition at the users’ discretion.
This deceptively small yet undeniably dynamic building allows for the owners to live simply
and comfortably whilst maximizing their engagement with a very special site.
Photos: Christopher Frederick Jones
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