We were presented with a difficult site and limited budget, but also with a client that was open to ideas with a keen interest in architecture & its beneficial outcomes.
The owners, recently retired were very environmentally aware. Although the house is not large, the spaces are open and comfortable. Lots of glass on the northern elevation frames a beautiful bush vista. Large eaves shelter the house from too much direct sun light, but limit the need for artificial lighting. High operable windows allow natural cooling via cross ventilating breezes. The main living area opens completely to the deck, where it is anticipated much of daily life will be spent.
Other sustainable devices employed include power generation by quality solar panels, rainwater harvesting & an independent waste water treatment system.
It was our intention for this building to sit harmoniously within this magnificent environment
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
■ Access was a challenge from the start. The site is magnificent but very steep in places. A beautiful creek is crossed at the bottom of a steep descent before the track meanders off through the bush & then up to reach the house site. A new 400metre track was required to get there. Some clearing was required to build, but much importance was placed on minimizing the disturbance to the site & its surrounds.
■ The house is itself is designed on a grid system of steel portal frames orientated to the north. This system has enabled the house cantilever or float out towards the tree tops. Zincalume steel sheeting arranged horizontally was selected for cladding to contrast against the vertical nature & colour of the surrounding vegetation. Also very economical
■ Sustainability was a priority. High windows and big eaves allow filtered day lighting into the building avoiding the necessity of superficial light sources. Poly carbonate roof sheeting, lined with timber battens to the underside assist this function in the bathroom & entry. The timber battens and solid timber joinery (sourced locally) soften the hard edges
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