R-B House
The brief was to extend a temporary 2 bedroom converted shed house to meet the needs of a growing family. The client’s requirements were that it must be single level and wheelchair accessible, solar-passive, comfortable, economical ($1,000/sqm), accommodate family & guests,
include home office, secondary dwelling for possible rental income and re-use as much as possible.
The addition is designed around the same 3.6m structural grid as the original shed and uses similar steel portal construction. Proportionally this ties the old and new together.
Zinc cladding was replaced with render. Generous living spaces accommodate everyone comfortably. Low pitched roofs allow generous eaves to suit sun angles.
The site was tricky because the views are to the south-east, where the prevailing summer weather blows in. To achieve a comfortable solar-passive design, large windows face north-east & south-east and there are two patios - one for summer shade and one for winter sun.
Rendered exterior walls, powder-coated aluminium joinery and slate-look tiles are low-maintenance. Grey-tinted laminated glass reduces glare and UV.
The shed's polished concrete floors were covered with pre-finished European Oak for economy and a warmer, country feel. Walnut joinery adds richness
The house is fully sustainable with solar-passive comfort, solar panels providing electricity, rainwater harvesting and passive rental income.
Sustainable design features include:
• Living areas, winter patio, ensuite, office nook & office/media are oriented northeast.
• Slab-on-ground thermal coupling & mass.
• Tuned cross-ventilation.
• Sun-studied overhangs.
• R5 insulation - ceilings/walls.
• LED lighting.
• 5.3 kw photovoltaics.
• Rainwater harvesting - 75,000L.
• Onsite-wastewater treatment.
The house is organised into zones for different functions: inter-connected wings provide for dormitory, social and office/media uses.
The garage separates the annex unit from the main residence.
Spatial drama/hierarchy is created by varying ceiling heights: 2.6m @ entry & bedrooms, 3.6m @ social areas w/ 3m high windows/doors opening onto generous patios. The walls of glass create seamless indoor outdoor living, natural light and connection to nature.
include home office, secondary dwelling for possible rental income and re-use as much as possible.
The addition is designed around the same 3.6m structural grid as the original shed and uses similar steel portal construction. Proportionally this ties the old and new together.
Zinc cladding was replaced with render. Generous living spaces accommodate everyone comfortably. Low pitched roofs allow generous eaves to suit sun angles.
The site was tricky because the views are to the south-east, where the prevailing summer weather blows in. To achieve a comfortable solar-passive design, large windows face north-east & south-east and there are two patios - one for summer shade and one for winter sun.
Rendered exterior walls, powder-coated aluminium joinery and slate-look tiles are low-maintenance. Grey-tinted laminated glass reduces glare and UV.
The shed's polished concrete floors were covered with pre-finished European Oak for economy and a warmer, country feel. Walnut joinery adds richness
The house is fully sustainable with solar-passive comfort, solar panels providing electricity, rainwater harvesting and passive rental income.
Sustainable design features include:
• Living areas, winter patio, ensuite, office nook & office/media are oriented northeast.
• Slab-on-ground thermal coupling & mass.
• Tuned cross-ventilation.
• Sun-studied overhangs.
• R5 insulation - ceilings/walls.
• LED lighting.
• 5.3 kw photovoltaics.
• Rainwater harvesting - 75,000L.
• Onsite-wastewater treatment.
The house is organised into zones for different functions: inter-connected wings provide for dormitory, social and office/media uses.
The garage separates the annex unit from the main residence.
Spatial drama/hierarchy is created by varying ceiling heights: 2.6m @ entry & bedrooms, 3.6m @ social areas w/ 3m high windows/doors opening onto generous patios. The walls of glass create seamless indoor outdoor living, natural light and connection to nature.
Country: Australia
Postcode: 4552
