The Tunstall House is a home for a family of four. The residence provides a sensitively controlled private realm for its occupants, through varying degrees of transparency in each direction. The street facing east façade is finely screened in timber, flanked by concrete hands. The two sides towards neighbours have high level glazing and are otherwise blank save for a sliver of window presenting a constant horizontal image of the sky to the interiors.

The west facade provides expansive views, mediating and modulating sunlight with operable louvres, large overhangs and vertical concrete blinkers. The front elevation offers a clear treatise on the necessary elements of entry to a home: fence, path, wall, door, and shelter. The simplicity of these components draws the visitor into an uncomplicated experience of entry; towards a timber door under a steel awning of simple proportions.

At close proximity the fine grain of the screens and the craftsmanship of the construction become evident, and on crossing the threshold, the house welcomes the guest into secluded surroundings bathed in reflected light. The palette and composition of high quality, robust materials ensures that the structure will enrich with the passing of time and as the family enjoys its days in a home of quiet contemplation.

Project Design Team
Angelo Candalepas - Director
Andrew McCloskey
Connie Argyrou
Thomas Hale
Martin Christensen

Award
AIA NSW Architecture Award Commendation (2009)     
AIA NSW Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) (2009)