The Rivercity House residence was designed by Biscoe Wilson Architects and is located on the banks of the Brisbane River.
The brief was for a functional modernist home with multiple entertaining levels and a connection between external and internal spaces. The lower level provides for grand arrivals, the central level is where most of the day to day activities are carried out and the top level is a private retreat with rooftop gardens. Large cantilevered balconies on the north allow unobstructed views to the river and city.
A large part of the home's simple colour scheme is due to the extensive use of glass, supplied by Viridian. "Glass enabled us to achieve the various degrees of transparency, privacy and solar efficiency required in this high profile riverfront location," says Robert Biscoe of Biscoe Wilson Architects.
Slim concrete and steel elements were accentuated by using frameless glass balustrading, with the internal staircase defined by cantilevered glass balustrading in steel stair stringer pockets. The combination of concrete, steel and glass enable wide horizontal openings to be achieved, thereby maximising river views and cross ventilation.
Rivercity House has high environmental credentials achieved through a diverse range of passive design principles and ESD initiatives. Viridian ComfortPlus and EVantage Low E glass maintains solar and heat control internally. Concrete sunhoods protect windows to help ensure that sun can enter the house during cooler months and be blocked during summer. The cantilevered roof garden terrace to the north of the master bedroom features sub slab insulation to provide thermal insulation to the living areas below.
Solar water heating for the pool and washing, gas water heating with a recirculating pump, energy efficient appliances and water efficient tap water and toilets complete the home's energy efficient status.
