The brief was to create a contemporary styled open plan home on a 10 acre rural block, incorporating sustainable building design and construction. The clients were not specific about the aesthetic or planning layout. The resulting home was named Satori, which in the Zen Buddhist tradition refers to individual enlightenment and is often considered the first step or embarkation towards nirvana.
DESIGN DESCRIPTION
The structure of an existing house on the property was incorporated into the new design. As such, the planning of the new bedroom wing to the north was based around the location of the existing internal and external masonry walls. New penetrations were made in the existing walls as required. The existing roof was removed and a new elevated roof was placed over the existing structure to give a greater sense of light and space. Additions to the south were made to accommodate new living zones, such as a media room, gym, laundry, powder room, carport and store room.
The layout and design of the new home is sympathetic to the rural site, considerate of the forest reserves to the rear, the scenic outlook to the front and two spring fed dams and rolling hills to the north. The living zone is located to enable panoramic views.
Outdoor living areas have been provided to the rear and to the front of the living zone. The front alfresco area has a formed concrete fireplace and kitchenette barbeque, sink and integrated bar fridge. The rear-covered living area flows out onto the swimming pool.
The existing house was converted into a private bedroom wing, as well as a new office and library which are located adjacent to a gum tree that shelters these rooms from the western sun in summer.
The inspiration for the interior's palette of materials and colours was drawn from the native bush surrounds. The materials selected comprise polished concrete, select grade hardwood timbers and timber veneer board, a selection of render finishes, natural stone tiles, aluminium, glass, stainless steel and plasterboard. The joinery detailed throughout consists of a combination of cabinetry with select grade hardwood timber, timber veneer board and a two-pac paint finish.
Natural and artificial lighting, ventilation, and proportion have been carefully considered for each room throughout the home. The design objective was to enable the expression of each material in the joinery to work in harmony with the other natural materials used throughout the home and with the natural environment.
Sustainable living spaces have been created through the use of passive solar design, natural lighting and ventilation, the use of existing structure, low energy fittings and fixtures, generous water harvesting capacity, energy efficient hot water systems, locally sourced building products and crafts people, strategic orientation of the home and pre-wiring to enable solar power energy generation.
Clerestory windows have been located and roof overhangs calculated to enable the sun to heat the concrete slab during the winter months and shield the home from the western sun in the summer months. Louvre windows have been incorporated into the clerestory to further facilitate cross-flow ventilation.
Reflective foil insulation and polywool batts were also fitted into all roof cavities. Other than the fireplaces which are only used in the winter months, the passive solar design principles adopted in this building have eliminated any requirement for artificial climate control. In addition to the sustainable design of the building, the garden has been planted with an extensive range of fruits and vegetables. Composting waste is used to fertilise the gardens and feed the egg-producing chickens.
ACCOLADES
Building Designers Association of Australia, National Awards, Most Outstanding Building Design, Overall Winner 2012
Building Designers Association of Australia, National Awards, Residential Alterations and Additions more than $200,000, Winner 2012
Building Designers Association of Australia, National Awards, Best Residential Interiors, Winner 2012
PRODUCTS
METAL ROOFING
BLUESCOPE LYSAGHT, CUSTOM ORB ROOFING
GUTTERING
STRATCO AUSTRALIA, SMOOTHLINE GUTTER
PLASTERBOARD
BORAL BUILDING SERVICES
FC CLADDING
JAMES HARDIE WALL & FLOOR PRODUCTS, HARDIFLEX
INTERNAL GRATED DRAINS
STORMTECH, STAINLESS STEEL LINEAR DRAINS
LOUVRE WINDOWS
BREEZWAY
WINDOW JOINERY
SC GLASS
HYDRO TAP
ZIP HEATERS
INTERNAL FLOORS
POLISHED CONCRETE
SWIMMING POOL SANITATION
MAGNA POOL
COMPONENTRY
BLUM AUSTRALIAl
FURNISHINGS
GIBSON'S HOMEWARES
LAMPS, SHADES & SOFT FURNISHINGS
SEVEN DANDELIONS
