This house was designed from the inside out to meet the functional needs of the family of five whilst capturing northern sun and spectacular city views to the east. The entry level of the multi-level home accommodates the garage, studio and water tanks (supplying the laundry, toilet cisterns and external irrigation). Above, the upper-level open plan living spaces open to substantial decks to the east and north. Day beds, extensive northern glazing, clerestory windows and raked ceilings (some plywood) enrich these spaces drawing in treetop views and sunlight. The steeply sloping site allows the elevated living areas, via the northern deck, near-level access to a rear native garden (irrigated with sub-surface grey water) overlooked by a separate north-facing bedroom pavilion. The basic construction principle is high thermal mass with a burnished concrete slab floor combined with passive heating and cooling and high levels of insulation. Northern ‘Comfort Plus’ glazing provides good solar access in winter, whilst summer comfort is ensured with overhanging eaves and cross ventilation. A hydronic in-slab system provides supplementary heating. Low-maintenance external finishes include walls of shot-blast concrete blocks, CFC panels with expressed joints and colorbond customorb sheeting. Eaves are hoop pine marine ply and CFC sheeting. All external timbers are recycled and finished in organ oil. Internal finishes are similarly robust and sustainable, including recycled brushbox living room flooring and hoop pine ply joinery, all finished with a natural ‘Osmo’ hardwax oil. Low emission paints are used throughout, as well as energy efficient lighting. The result: a warm, inviting, low-energy, low-maintenance robust family home.

Awards

2007 ACT Institute of Architects Award
2008 HIA Greensmart Home of the Year - ACT winner and National Finalist
Acknowledgements
Structural consultant: Jan Van de Veen
Landscape consultant: Brittle Gum Design
Builder: Preferred Builders
Photographer: Blink Photo Design