From the waterfront to the road the site is embedded with rock. A thin layer of topsoil supports grasses, native plants and sheoaks by the water as well as larger gums at the top of the block.
The site slopes steeply towards the river, and a freshwater lagoon in the reserve to the North. The western boundary is the high water mark of the Derwent River.
Connections with the landscape oscillate between enclosure and embrace. The entrance forms a deep recess on an otherwise closed façade. A blank wall to the South curves to follow site contours, directing views away from the neighbours and towards the mountain on the opposite shore.
The timber ceiling is a continuous curve for the length of the home. At the entry it lifts to the East to address Mt Direction, dips low and lifts again the West to the river views and Mount Wellington. Together the wall and ceiling compress and then expand space as you walk from the entrance to the main living space.
A colonnade on the North façade, provides shade and spaces that are protected from the summer sun and the wind. The second bedroom opens through the courtyard, along the colonnade to the water.
The living space is perched high, drawing the water close. A shelf to the west frames the landscape and shades the lower floor but has no access and no balustrade to achieve uninterupted views. Opening doors are to the side protected from the weather by the deep overhang of the colonnade and by the corner pier.
The lower floor bedroom is embedded in the rock, the outlook sheltered as the ground falls away to the water. The west facing wall folds back from a pivot point to form a deep soffit lined with suspended masonry and wraps back into the site to form the terrace that in time will feel like a reminant of a previous structure. Deep window reveals create privacy and form seats inside and out.
Looking up at the house from the rivers edge it feels fortified. There is a public right away just above the high water mark and the house communicates a sense that you can look but not approach.
Working in section throughout the design process ensured careful consideration of site levels. The entry is at grade with two steps down from the courtyard to the garden. The terrace is four steps lower than the colonnade so outdoor furniture does not crowd the view. The stair leading from the terrace to the river, and the terrace itself were inspired by a small runied farmhouse embedded on steep rocky ground looking down on the Amalfi Coast. A “ha-ha” wall to the terrace achieves a safe balustrade without interrupting the view.
Located on a lazy bend of the Derwent, this house accentuates the drama of living at water’s edge. A courtyard, a colonnade, ledges and terraces soften the distinction and encourage connections between house and landscape.
Sustainability Statement
Materials were selected to endure a harsh environment. Locally manufactured, bespoke mix concrete blocks complement the setting. External timber is hardwood, terraces are Australian bluestone.
Consideration of sun angles determined the colonnade depth, excluding summer sun. Winter sun warms the slab, supplemented by minimal under-floor heating and a combustion fire that manages site fuel loads. Thermal mass, insulation and double glazing maintain stable temperatures throughout the year.
Programmable external venetians address the conflict of western views and sun. Cross ventilation and active night purge use evening breezes to drop slab temperatures. Stored coolth is the only airconditioning needed.
The second bedroom, study and bathroom are convertable to a master suite, should our Clients ever need to live on one level. Future planning minimised the footprint. The boat shed roof will accomodate solar and waste water is treated on site.
The re-establishment of native vegetation extends habitats from the adjacent reserve.
The house is powered by green energy supplied by Hydro.
Media Summary
On a lazy bend of the Derwent, this home accentuates the drama of living at water’s edge. Connections with the landscape oscillate between enclosure and embrace. A courtyard, a colonnade, ledges and terraces soften the distinction and encourage connections between house and landscape.
The entry is deliberately solid, drawing you in along a curved wall that follows the contours. The living space is perched above the water, with a ceiling that sweeps up to reveal views of Mount Wellington to the west and Mount Direction to the east.
The lower floor is embedded in the steep ground, framing sheltered views across the native grasses to the water.
Refined geometry and carefully selected materials produce a home that is precise, yet textured and warm. Locally sourced masonry has been custom-manufactured to complement the tones of the setting. This project is born of, and belongs to this site.
