Design Brief
The client’s brief asked designer Darren Evans to create a contemporary show piece home that would fit seamlessly within the natural landscape.
Located in the heart of theYarra Valley the secluded 3.2 acre property boasts spectacular views and is surrounded by an abundance of native vegetation.
Sloping from west to east the challenge was to maximise the eastern views and still obtain maximum northerly exposure. Bright, light filled spaces were required to encapsulate the mountainous views whilst providing a comfortable, energy efficient home year round.
The colours and materials selected were to compliment the surrounding area creating a harmonious unobtrusive design.
Design Solution
The finished home exemplifies energy efficient design with an emphasis on reflecting and respecting the natural surrounds and site conditions.
Following the natural contours of the land reduced the impact on the site whilst maximum northern exposure was achieved through articulation.
This articulation not only enhanced all facades but it created the required bright light filled internal spaces, resulting in a comfortable home year round with minimal heating or cooling.
The careful selection of materials and colours unifies the home internally and externally making it at one with the landscape.
This harmonious, natural feeling home epitomises energy efficient design without compromising style resulting in a showpiece home.
Material Considerations
The use of natural sandstone, oiled timbers and rendered panels permit a stylish grandeur within the sensitive design with naturally occurring variations adding warmth and character.
CSR Hebel Powerpanel wall system was selected as the home’s cladding for its superior acoustic insulation and thermal properties, resulting in an individual design with a stylish rendered look.
Timber and natural stone further articulate the elevations and lend visual strength, blending the unique façade with the environment.
High quality materials and finishes coupled with solar passive design principles achieve a high level of comfort within the home.
Thermally improved Fairoak timber double-glazed windows were used together with an elliptical louvre shading system designed to shade the northern windows in summer, whilst allowing the winter sun to penetrate the living areas with ample natural light.
Courtyard areas are all concealed from the entry enhancing privacy, increasing northern exposure and assisting cross flow ventilation by capturing the prevailing winds, naturally cool the home.
A solar hot water unit has been installed for this home in addition to low energy use appliances and lighting where possible to reduce the energy footprint.
The attention to these factors has resulted in a showpiece home, ready to be a leading example of the possibilities of 6 Star requirements.
Consultants & Contractors
Building Designer - Daren Evans, Solar Solution Designs
Photographer - Matthew Mallet Photography
Builder - Peter Bradford Builders
Structural engineers - Intrax Engineers
Feature surveyor - Sprott Land surveys
Geotechnical engineer: Southern Geotechnical Pty Ltd Energy rater - Ikonomidis Reid
Landscape design - Phillip Johnson Landscapes
Septic system - A & A Worm Farm Waste Systems
Building surveyor - Combined Building Consultants
This article was written with the assistance of Building Designers Australia.
