Nested behind the dunes of Carlton Beach sits River House by Beachouse Architects, a project designed specifically for sustainability within the Tasmanian climatic context.
The site is north facing, protected from strong winds and backs onto a nature reserve.
Allowing for future sea level rise, the house is elevated on durable Spotted Gum posts and its timber structure is simply designed and assembled.
The entire north-west facade is raked double glazing with removable external sun shading - perfect for harvesting the winter sun in Tasmania's cold climate, while the external skin is constructed with a rain screen which is ventilated, breathable and insulated, and clad in a variety of timber battens, boards and cement sheeting for durability.
All finishes inside and outside are non-toxic to minimize impact on inhabitants and resident amphibians in a sensitive environment while the light filled interior exhibits a natural material palette breathing calm and creating a casual beach house atmosphere.
KEY INTITIATIVES
- Passive solar design principles
- Accounting for sea level rise
- Minimal impact on the surrounding environment in design and ongoing use by inhabitants
- Selection of sustainable building materials
- Compact & flexible planning Minimal fit out and fixtures
- Rain water harvesting (no mains water supply)
- Solar hot water and future
- PV-array
- Recycled building products
- Detailing above standard for a breathable & durable home
- Product selection for a healthy, non-toxic living environment
- Small, low emission wood heater for space heating Re-use and re-purposing of interior fit-out item
