Project Overview
A bespoke residence incorporating sweeping arches, off form concrete and vegetation throughout to create an intimate yet light filled interior space which seamlessly leads to engaging outdoor entertainment areas to allow the psychological and physical wellbeing of the occupants to flourish.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Andrew Costi
Violette Pairault
Project Brief
The design brief was to create a large residence that provided a sense of intimacy through arches reminiscent of the old world charm of victorian era mansions with a contemporary twist. With the intention to visually elevate the space and accentuate the high ceilings throughout, whilst creating a light-filled interior with an open plan floorplan with a seamless flow to exterior outdoor entertainment areas.
Project Innovation/Need
The architectural expression of the facade includes a simple palette of materials including off form concrete, cascading native vegetation and the organic warmth of natural timber with sweeping arches to entice you to appreciate the structure whilst it challenges the surrounding neighbourhood through materiality and contrasting forms but offers a sense of calmness and delicacy.
Whilst inside the dwelling you are greeted with a lush tree surrounded by a sculptural staircase swooping upwards which accentuates the high ceilings throughout the house and is supplemented with streams of natural light through abundant wall to ceiling highlight windows. The oversized island bench acts as the meeting point of the home with ancillary spaces including walk-in pantry, laundry and powder room tucked into the core of the building to ensure maximal natural light in the open plan living spaces. The glazed rear façade creates a seamless flow between the interior and exterior entertainment areas including an alfresco anchored by a barbeque, a fire-pit and pool.
Design Challenge
Every design brief brings a series of constraints and challenges from the outset and in conjunction with the client’s vision begins to shape the outcome. One such challenge with this project was how to bring natural light deep within the house when the backyard and thus the open plan living area faced south. This was overcome by providing wall to ceiling highlight windows/skylights facing the side boundaries whilst taking advantage of council regulations which enforce that level one steps further back from the side boundaries than ground floor.
Sustainability
Sustainability begins with the basics; siting the building, orientating the glazing and access to sunlight, consideration of natural ventilation and selection of materials. When achieved at the design stage it plays a major role in raising the retention value of the building for the unforeseeable future, thus having immeasurable positive environmental benefits in contrast to continually renovating or rebuilding. The above has been implemented in this project through the use of responsibly sourced materials, high-quality energy-efficient appliances, the extensive use of cross-flow natural ventilation, the inclusion of natural sunlight throughout the building, and the implementation of generous outdoor entertainment areas.
Architecture - Proposed - Single Residence
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow. The project can be a concept, tender or personal project, i.e. proposed space.
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