The site’s topography, orientation, exposure to the elements and neighbours, define the building’s form. The building responds through systems of blocking and filtering: walls of sliding glass, screens, and large scale automated clerestories The resultant form and spatial dynamics are reminiscent of a full sail, a Spinnaker.
The primary form of the house is accessed via a bridge from the pedestrian entry and carport. The bridge provides a framed view to Hervey Bay, and plays with the concept of leaving terra firma and boarding a vessel. The entire upper level is one large open plan, column free living, dining, kitchen and entertaining area. Large timber framed sliding doors open to expansive decks, featuring integrated hardwood screens and seating.
The eastern screening is detailed to allow long views from the interior whilst standing, but screens or abstracts the scattering of houses across the valley when seated. When all doors are open the entire level reads as a large verandah room. A translucent blade wall defines the northern elevation while the primarily solid western elevation has a clerestory of fixed and automated glazing allowing western sun to be welcomed or blocked at will. The southern elevation is primarily glazed to take in the expansive views towards distant mountains.
The ability exists for the occupants to adjust and ’trim’ the building through the walls of sliding glass and automated systems allowing sun, air flow, and views to be highly tailored for given climatic conditions and occupants’ preferences. There is no airconditioning required. The screening systems also allow for retreat, views, or exposure in different combinations, at different times, all at the selection of the occupants.
The particular requirements of the client brief were to provide expansive living, dining and entertaining areas on one high level to capture the spectacular location. This was achieved beyond expectation in a single column free space which opens in all directions and can operate in many different situations due to the flexibility of the enclosure. Together with this, they also requested a suite of bedrooms to be totally private from the public areas and with something of a ‘cave like’ feeling to retreat to. This has been achieved without creating dark or claustrophobic spaces. This home is a total response to a unique and difficult site to resolve conflicts of orientation, climate, views and topography whilst maintaining the core requirements of the home’s program.
Portal frames of hardwood and steel allow for the large open plan upper level. Materials and detailing have been selected and expressed based on contextual suitability - with respect to both aesthetics and durability. The local builder and engineers constructed the simple, efficient, structural steel system whichutilises all bolted connections to allow for future disassembly. All internal materials are low VOC. Photovoltaic panels and rainwater tanks are celebrated as part of the building’s particular aesthetic. Terraces and swales on contour help tame overland water flow and landscaping combines zones of natives, wind breaks of bamboos and large areas of food production.
Material Used :
1. Bluescope Steel – Structural steel, roofand wall cladding
