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Clad in dramatic burnt timber, and the ochre tones of weathered steel sheets, this holiday house is sure to satisfy the family’s brief for a “seriously cool” design.
The main living areas of the house soar out towards the panoramic water views, giving the house a dynamic and striking appearance. Large expanses of glass to the north capture the spectacular views to the Pacific Ocean and Palm Beach.
An existing weatherboard cottage on the site created an exciting siting opportunity. Rather than locating the new house at the lower point of the site, it breaks the pattern of the street, sitting high and away from any neighbours, giving a strong sense of privacy and retreat.
The house is split into two pavilions, linked by a deck which expands and fans out to the view. The first pavilion contains the living spaces, kitchen, family bathroom and bedrooms, with a casual living area at the lower level adjacent to the small plunge pool. A hidden door into the second pavilion reveals the master bedroom suite, which sits among the treetops, overlooking the swimming pool and northerly view. The main living area is light and spacious, contrasting with the modest scale of the bedrooms.
Key to the design is the idea of the family being together in these living spaces, entertaining and relaxing with family and friends. From the main living area, a large expanse of stacking glass paneled doors slide away to seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoor deck.
The entry to the house is via a steep path and sandstone steps, which take you upon arrival underneath the dramatic cantilever of the living space. This luminescent space glows with the rich reds, oranges and browns of the weathered steel. A single Y‐shaped column, delicately formed and tapered supports the house above.
The upper levels are clad in charred black vertical boarding, burnt using the traditional Japanese Yaki‐Sugi method. Treating the boards in this way seasons and helps protect the otherwise vulnerable wood. The timber acquires a unique charred texture, not dissimilar to the patternation of crocodile skin. The palette of colours used for the house, from the oranges to the reds, browns and blacks, resonates with the Australian landscape.
A place for retreat, relaxing, entertaining and gathering – this “seriously cool” house captures the view, sun and breezes to create a memorable holiday home highly suited to the unique opportunities of the site.
Project Specification
Construction:
The house is 250 sqm split over two storeys. It features a concrete slab and
cavity brick structure at the lower level, and timber and steel frame to the upper level.
External cladding:
Weathered steel panels (also known as corten steel), and burnt vertical pine
boards and battens. The timber was burnt using the traditional Japanese Yaki‐ Sugi method, where only three pieces of timber are burnt at a time over a specially constructed pot‐belly stove. The process requires finesse and precision, with only seconds between a perfectly burnt surface and an unusable
piece of timber. When the timber reaches the optimum level of char, the bindings between the three pieces of timber are cut and the timber wetted. This results in a highly textured surface to the timber, which is protected from insects and the weather.
The lower level of the house is completely clad with 1.6mm weathering steel. This is a type of steel which forms a stable rust‐like appearance without further
corrosion. As a natural surface, it features natural variations, from almost
fluorescent orange through to dull browns. The steel was carefully cut into channels in the existing sandstone boulders on site, giving a sense of the house rising from the earth.
The pool is created with roughly formed concrete, echoing the texture of the burnt timber walls.
Internal Lining:
Flooring & feature walls are lined in oak with a white oil finish. Bedrooms
feature custom digitally printed wallpaper. Bathrooms are finished in a cement render and feature polished concrete flooring.
Features:
Architectural features throughout the house include;
• “Y” Column in steel and Australian hardwood (stained)
• Living room fireplace in folded brushed aluminium
• Uncoated brass balustrading and steel rod balustrading
• Solid merbau decking
• New Guinea rosewood solid timber doors and windows
• Louvres throughout for natural ventilation.
Sustainability
The design of the house responds to the conditions of the site, oriented to the north to capture the winter sun, while large roof overhangs and a secondary “hood” roof protect against the hotter summer months. The house completely opens up to the ocean breezes, naturally ventilating all the spaces and promoting the connections to the outdoor spaces. High level pivoting windows and operable louvres allow for heat to escape.
The vertical pine cladding gains its protection and longevity through the natural properties of the burnt surface, which seasons the timber and protects against insects. Similarly, the weathered steel cladding is a natural finish which requires no further maintenance or protection. The house has been designed with longevity and durability in mind, especially as the house is located in close proximity to the ocean.
The landscape surrounding the house has been returned to native Australian bushland, providing a tranquil setting and a home for native parrots and other wildlife. Rain water harvested from the roof is stored in two large tanks, which are then linked to toilets, the swimming pool and outdoor taps. Hot water is provided through a heat pump system, which utilizes heat from the ambient air as an energy source to heat the water. Low energy LEDs are used for lighting throughout the home.
Overall this house has been designed to be passively responsive to the conditions of the site, and creates a durable home which allows for maximum enjoyment of the beautiful Australian climate.
