A contemporary three bedroom home deigned by Clever Design in Ulverstone, Tasmania, has received five awards in the Building Designers Association of Victoria’s (BDAV) 2012 awards.
The BDAV say the Building Design of the Year Award-winning project has sustainability at its core and features an innovative design that offers an ‘out there’ experience.
The association provides the below appraisal of the project:
A steeply sloping site with extensive estuary views drives this design, which is an exercise in minimalism and precision. Sharp skillion roof forms float over a dynamic arrangement of forms which are partially dug into the ground at the approach, only to erupt into a spectacular cantilevered living area and associated deck which shoot out across the contours of the site to take advantage of both north light and the 180 degree views.
Bedroom areas are laid out perpendicular to the form containing the entry and living areas, and are safely anchored in the ground. An external space formed by rough textured blade walls and flying steel beams provides a private garden accessible from the main ensuite and, along with polished timber decking, enhances the legibility of the entry.
Mike Cleaver of Clever Design is thoroughly at ease with his materials — steel and glass are expertly detailed, ensuring that the dynamism of the external forms runs through the interior volumes, and ceilings appear to float over walls.
The interiors are suitably spare, and are wholly informed by the structure, with the open plan kitchen elements stopping short of the ceiling so as not to interrupt the flow of space. Gleaming polished concrete floors provide a backdrop to shining white cabinetry and a cantilevered island bench. Frameless panels of translucent glass slide to provide privacy as required, and to allow for views throughout the house.
The project also won the award for Most Innovative Use of Steel. The steel used here, both to mould the spine and form — so integral to its structural integrity — also brings to life an amazing creation.
Tensioned stainless steel rods serve to brace the steel frame. Lightweight Colorbond roofing adds to the form.
This modern dwelling, referred to as a ‘stealth fighter’ by its creators does, indeed, give you the impression that you are flying in the clouds, and reminds us once again that steel can be used not only as a structural element, but can add another dimension to the aesthetics and usability of a building.
The totality of this design is testament to Clever Design’s skills. The execution is exceptional, and all elements have been carefully considered and work together to provide a beautifully resolved building with no extraneous detail. Most of all, the house illustrates the designer's ability to conceive a building as not just a shelter, but as an experience, earning the project a worthy award for Building Design of the Year.
AWARDS WON
- Winner: Building Design of the Year 2012
- Winner: Residential Design - New Houses: $500K-$1M construction cost
- Winner: Most Innovative Use of Steel
- Commendation: Interior Design - Residential
- Commendation: Most Innovative Kitchen Design
