projects

The main challenge was the narrow east-west block with a slight fall away from the street, and a large Norfolk Island pine tree at the front of the site. The site is only 10m wide and overshadowing as well as north light access were two key drivers for this project.

Although there was a lot of design exploration during the design stage of this project, the resultant solution was unusually simple. The main organising elements were a storage and services zone along the southern boundary, which allowed for a reduced wall height and thus reduced impact on the southern neighbours, and a north facing linear garden. During the design stage we went through a number of negotiations with council without losing too much of the essence of the project.

The project timeframe was not critical and perhaps longer than expected due to time spent getting the details right, which in hindsight was a successful approach. The solution was cost effective for the client.
The performance of the house exceeds client expectations.

The City Beach House, designed for a young family, responds to a brief for contemporary lifestyle combining entertaining, family living and sanctuary.

The plan form is deliberately spread out over the large suburban block, meandering through the site to describe a series of internal and external spaces. As one moves from the street, through the site, there is a gradual and considered increase in the level of privacy.

The house, although fairly modest from the street, unfolds and enlarges as it is experienced for the first time...

The requirement for this project was to create a zoned house for a young, growing family. We needed to provide for general entertaining areas and separate kids play areas, while still maximising the stunning river views. There was also a challenge to balance up the north facing entry and front of the house with the south facing views of the river.

We decided to use cardboard models to develop a concept based around a front and a back pavilion with a dividing entry space as an organising element.

Our solution entailed this entry space separating different living spaces downstairs and different sleeping spaces upstairs. The entry space evolved into a 2-storey void, with bridge, and louver windows at the top to purge hot air in summer.

The adult living zones were further separated, using glass to maintain views, but to allow the dining area to be acoustically separated from the kitchen and main family area.

The project was timing and budget were both within 10% of estimations. A post-occupancy evaluation has revealed the project was a success.