Contribution to the Built Environment

The house showcases a strong, robust architectural character that cleverly expresses and celebrates its materiality. The layering and intersection of each floor enables the house to not only manage the steep slope but use it positively to create generous, lofty, light filled double volume spaces in strategic locations such as the entry experience which focuses the eye to the view.

The design engages almost every room in the house with the magnificent view. The positioning of the house and the orientation of the outlooks also means that there is little awareness of the neighbouring properties from within the house.

Generous entertaining spaces are provided internally and externally allowing a seamless connection to the secluded garden and decked areas. The facade appears to dissolve by the clever use of bespoke glazing and void spaces so that one really loses perspective of where the intersection of inside and outside occurs.

The cool colour palette created by the extensive use of concrete and pristine white double height walls has achieved a serene and peaceful environment. The exceptional care and attention to materials and detail has ensured that all aspects of the house contributes uniquely to the quality of the architecture and form.

Sustainability

• Utilizes the thermal mass of concrete slabs and 200mm thick concrete walls
• Overhanging roofs and adjustable external blinds protect glass heat gain
• Rainwater is stored for re-use in toilets, laundry and gardens
• Solar hydronic floor heating
• Sustainably grown timbers for cladding and screening for solar protection, privacy and wind shelter

Innovative sustainable design elements:

• Dincel solid concrete walls add thermal mass and minimises cooling and heating requirements
• Hydronic heating system utilises same hot water for showers, floor and pool heating
• Rainwater is harvested from all roofs and stored in a large tank for re-use in toilets, laundry and irrigation of gardens

Environmental footprint of the building is minimised by:

• Thermal mass – cooling and heating
• Sun control – external adjustable louvres and canopies
• Solar evaporative tubes – electricity and hot water
• Rainwater – toilets, laundry, pool and gardens
• Orientation – living spaces and courtyards allow for outdoor use in most weather conditions and accommodates infiltration of fresh-air and daylight