The primary driver for the design is the client’s interaction with, and enjoyment of, the surrounding landscape. Being able to freely move from within the house out into the garden and back, tending to the vegetable patch or listening to the frogs in the pond were all a part of the design brief.
The front verge and open landscaping provide a connection to the street community, that regularly meet and tend to the community street verge and gardens.
A large glazed wall and double height space allows the client to view the neighbouring tree canopy and western sunsets.
The double height open plan is able to be opened up to the rear garden for entertainment gatherings, and there is also free movement through into the kitchen zone.
The natural material pallette with expressed timber grains, concrete and stone patterns provides a connection between the interiors and the garden.
The roof skylights are positioned so as to capture the views of the large Pecan tree, that ranges in the seasonal colours from bright orange to deep green. The mezzanine library is interconnected with the kitchen and dining zones so as to maintain the client’s interconnection between both levels.
The interior temperature is maintained by a heat pump Hydronic infloor and radiator heating system, double glazing and North to South openings for cross ventilation. The windows are designed to catch the local North easterly breeze in the afternoons. Sunlight is abundant throughout the day from morning to evening. Direct sunlight enlivens the internal spaces in the rear extension and the internal hallway at all times.