Contemporary Country House
The site itself is majestic, and everything about the design began with that simple idea. Set on a hill high above the surrounding plains, the site commanded almost 270° views across the plains to distant ranges. Of course looking back at the hill behind, at the short view, is a treat in itself. A dry Australian landscape, barren and beautiful. The perfect place to watch the grass turn golden in the setting sun.
A hilltop site in the mountains brings its own challenges. 820m above sea level and 200m higher than nearby Canberra, the site is exposed. Winter brings occasional snowfall, summer is hot, and every season is windy. The lack of trees gives unobstructed views, but offers no protection from the wind.
The house nestles into the eastern side of the hill, anchored in the landscape, yet floating above it. The hill behind is a shield against the worst winds, the hot dry summer westerlies and icy winter westerlies. The spine of the house is set into the slope, solid on a slab warmed with solar hydronic heating. A protected courtyard, perfect for winter, sits between house and hill with a framed view to the ranges on the ACT border. Living room and master bedroom reach out to the view, projecting above the ground, embracing the cooling easterlies. Outdoor areas for fine weather extend further, soaring above the eucalypt and wattle scrub below.
The landscape is the star of every room. Northern and eastern windows embrace panoramas while bringing in winter sun. Southern windows carefully pick out key lines of sight. Western windows are avoided except where they connect to the sheltered courtyard.
Carefully placed windows celebrate and lift different moments and functions throughout the house. Step through the front door and look down the courtyard at the ranges to the south. Play the grand piano facing a panorama of valleys and hills. Relax in the bath as the sun illuminates the golden grass of the hills across the valley. Wake up to the sun cresting the eastern hills, fog in the valley below. Or find yourself enveloped in fog and mist, silhouettes of nearby trees visible through every window.
Rooflines and materials reflect this contrast of anchored and floating. Large blocks of heavy masonry wrap around the grounded western side of the house. The floating eastern wings are clad lightly, perched in expressed steel frames. Skillion roofs soar to the east, a foil for the wind, creating a calm on the leeward side.
Interiors are simple and straightforward, to let the landscape dominate. Polished concrete and aluminium windows are softened by nearby hardwood timber; luxurious without being ostentatious.
The house sits strikingly in its majestic landscape. Proud but unpretentious, soaring but grounded, simple but comfortable.
A hilltop site in the mountains brings its own challenges. 820m above sea level and 200m higher than nearby Canberra, the site is exposed. Winter brings occasional snowfall, summer is hot, and every season is windy. The lack of trees gives unobstructed views, but offers no protection from the wind.
The house nestles into the eastern side of the hill, anchored in the landscape, yet floating above it. The hill behind is a shield against the worst winds, the hot dry summer westerlies and icy winter westerlies. The spine of the house is set into the slope, solid on a slab warmed with solar hydronic heating. A protected courtyard, perfect for winter, sits between house and hill with a framed view to the ranges on the ACT border. Living room and master bedroom reach out to the view, projecting above the ground, embracing the cooling easterlies. Outdoor areas for fine weather extend further, soaring above the eucalypt and wattle scrub below.
The landscape is the star of every room. Northern and eastern windows embrace panoramas while bringing in winter sun. Southern windows carefully pick out key lines of sight. Western windows are avoided except where they connect to the sheltered courtyard.
Carefully placed windows celebrate and lift different moments and functions throughout the house. Step through the front door and look down the courtyard at the ranges to the south. Play the grand piano facing a panorama of valleys and hills. Relax in the bath as the sun illuminates the golden grass of the hills across the valley. Wake up to the sun cresting the eastern hills, fog in the valley below. Or find yourself enveloped in fog and mist, silhouettes of nearby trees visible through every window.
Rooflines and materials reflect this contrast of anchored and floating. Large blocks of heavy masonry wrap around the grounded western side of the house. The floating eastern wings are clad lightly, perched in expressed steel frames. Skillion roofs soar to the east, a foil for the wind, creating a calm on the leeward side.
Interiors are simple and straightforward, to let the landscape dominate. Polished concrete and aluminium windows are softened by nearby hardwood timber; luxurious without being ostentatious.
The house sits strikingly in its majestic landscape. Proud but unpretentious, soaring but grounded, simple but comfortable.
Project Year: 2019
Project Cost: $500,001 AUD - $750,000 AUD
Country: Australia
Postcode: 2620
