Project Overview

A house for a family of four.

Everyday life occurs on a platform overlooking the sea. Beneath this the rock is carved out to form a grotto. Above the platform is a protective cocoon for sleeping.

Astride all this at roof level sits a belvedere accessible only via a narrow curved stair, as in a Martello tower.

Organisation

Chris Elliott Architects

Team

Design Architect: Chris Elliott
Project Architect: Robert Faber
Interiors: Penny Mora
Main Contractor: Hodge Build
Structural Engineer: O'Hearn Consulting
Hydraulic Engineer: Buckton Lysenko
Photographer: Richard Glover

Project Brief

The brief required a house suitable for a family of four and their guests on a 250m2 site. The parents frequently work from home and the family like to entertain. The ground floor living areas, courtyards and roof terrace are all options for entertaining. The pool is in constant use by children.

The house provides offices for each parent and bench and desk space which can be used by children for homework and other projects. The home cinema doubles as visitor accommodation. Clever storage options allow the family to store belongings. There is garaging for two cars and a workshop.

Project Need

A long linear element sits above a row of columns, providing privacy and protection on the upper level whilst allowing the ground level to be open and very transparent. Cantilevers at each end of the linear element allow for the requisite space at bedroom level while simultaneously freeing up space and providing cover for outdoor areas below. A compact solid core provides stability and contains a stair, bathroom, fridge, cupboards and pantry whilst creating only a minimal visual obstruction.

The basement level is conceived as a grotto combining water, rock and light. The solid sandstone foundation stone is carved away to create space. Water occurs at various levels – a pool, a shallow reflecting pool with bridge and an outdoor bath. At times strong shafts of light penetrate the spaces, as through rock fissures in a cave. At other times when light levels are low strong colours help to create warmth and atmosphere.

The bedroom level, is conceptually a protective cocoon, providing comfort and privacy with glimpses out through a variety of openings. On the outside the surface of the box is enlivened with series of curvilinear light scoops.

At the roof level, conceived as a belvedere or lookout, a study opens onto a small deck. Here your journey ends with a panoramic outlook over the ocean. A private sundeck with built in timber seating and a fireplace provides a comfortable place to contemplate the ocean and the stars at night.

Design Challenge

The really big challenge on this project was the very narrow and small site, which led to a number of difficulties with planning the project and with council. The cantilevered design means that the house occupies far less space on the site than the previously existing house. This allowed for far more outdoor space. There is now a garden and courtyard for children to play in and for relaxing, barbeques and outdoor dining.

Clever use of the site combined with careful planning and design maximizes the functionality and storage options and creates room for fun and fantasy. Family and friends like to use the pool which was something they never dreamed they would have in such a small space. The simplicity of the design produces a sense of order and calm which is a buffer against the general chaos of family life.

The fenestration and screening alternatives allow for the beautiful sea views to be enjoyed while maintaining privacy from the many people on the nearby coastal walk. The design also provides various entertainment choices for both adults and children. Family members can use different areas of the house concurrently without disturbing the other users.

Sustainability

There is no air-conditioning or central heating. The thermal mass of the concrete construction together with the stabilizing effect of the internal pool, the seaside location and appropriate fenestration and curtaining means that the house maintains a comfortable temperature year round. The hydronic floor heating is used only occasionally in winter and when used heats the entire ground floor and the bathrooms.

Solar panels generate enough electricity so that power is sold back into the grid in the summer months. Excellent daylight to all spaces and the compact size of the house assists in minimizing the electricity requirements.

The 250m2 site is only a quarter of the typical "quarter-acre" suburban block. Highly efficient use of the small site is part of our exploration into ways of reducing urban sprawl. All roof water is harvested for re-use. Recycled timber has been used in the house and for decking in the courtyard and garden. Clothes are dried outside and all the herbs the family need for cooking are grown alongside the driveway. The courtyard pond is a natural ecosystem which is home to lizards, fish and insects.