The Ozone House is tucked away in what is otherwise suburban Freshwater. The clients for this project owned a fantastic, heavily vegetated battleaxe block that is home to a number of mature angophoras and exposed sandstone rock shelves.
The plan form of the house is stepped in and out amongst the existing trees on the site so that they could be retained. All rooms view out to the landscape beyond providing a sense of engagement. In particular, the plan form narrows in the center to avoid a significant and beautiful angophora to the South as well as provide the main central deck to the North. The two ends of the house therefore feel as though they are linked with a central bridging kitchen and dining room which acts as the main gathering point for family and guests.
In order to preserve the site trees and geological features, the new house is built on the footings of the previous cottage and sits above the earth wherever it overhangs the footprint of the old. Building challenges included the protection of significant mature trees close to the house and excavation thoughout the building period, however, once this basic constraint was appreciated the approach of minimal site disturbance lead to a remarkably straightforward build.
The Ozone House is essentially built using a timber and steel frame clad using a combination of vertical weatherboards and batten jointed fibro. These simple, humble materials were used for their association with basic beach cottage construction, and deliberately give the house a low tech feel. The humility of the material palette is balanced by a rigorous approach to detail, and a desire
There is extensive use of blackbutt framed windows including large bays of louvres to allow cross ventilation. The only active cooling is provided by ceiling fans. There is no need for air conditioning. Active heating is provided by a series of hydronic radiators. Roof water is collected in 2 x 5,000L tanks for reuse in the house and garden. There is provision for the installation of a further 10,000 L under the house.
Joinery and internal finishes are important for the success of the project. External finishes are used extensively internally. Joinery finishes include recycled blackbutt, southern blue gum veneer (eco certified), desktop linoleum and stainless steel. The rawness of many of the finishes gives the house an honest feel.
The owner describes her first night there as 'the best camping experience' she’s ever had.
Architect : Matt Elkan
Builder : Graybuilt – Paul Gray
Engineering : SDA – Charles Blumer
Photographer : Simon Whitbread
Materialization
- Weatherboard Cladding - Pine – V Jointed
- Fibre Cement Cladding – 6mm FC with Timber batten joints
- Roof – Corrugated Steel – Bluescope Custom Orb
- Decking – Timber – 90 x 19 Tallowood
- Flooring – Timber – 130 x 19 Blackbutt
- Benches – 40mm Thick Blackbutt
- Doors and Windows – Blackbutt with Low E Glass (Viridian Comfort Plus)
- Steel – Custom Fabricated – EJF Steel Fabricators. – Painted using Dulux Weathermax MIO
- Timber Veneer – Blackbutt Veneer
- Paint – Dulux – Monument and Natural White
