Small House not only details exceptional architectural and interiors features, the ultra-compact design presents a solution to the issue of urban sprawl.
IN BRIEF
The philosophy of small house was to build upwards rather than outwards, by assigning multiple uses to single spaces, with flexibility for change in the future. The site is comparable to that of a suburban garage at 7mx6m.
Small House was designed not only to be architect Domenic Alvaro’s own home, but also to test a development model for downtown urban living as an alternative to the ubiquitous luxury apartment.
Earmarked in the NSW Department of Planning’s ‘draft good design for medium density living’, it is seen as a living example of the direction of the government to locate a greater proportion of new homes in existing urban areas. The majority of these are located within walking distance of existing centres, and enjoy convenient transport.
An exercise in tight planning the residence spans four storeys, with the combined floor space reaching 180 sqm. The structure was built entirely from pre-cast concrete, fabricated off-site and set up on-site over a four-day period.
Wall and floor panels, cast in provisions for stairs, balustrades, windows and light fittings were produced off-site, minimising on-site construction time and disturbance to the surrounding neighbourhood.
The house is zoned vertically: Ground floor: utility/ store/bicycle/parking; first floor: sleeping/bathing, storage; second floor: living(with optional additional zone); third floor: food prep/eating/entertainment, topped by a working roof garden terrace, all connected via a series of stairs.
ARCHITECT’S WORDS
Small house investigates a new typology in the current urban living space, whilst still reflecting a contemporary lifestyle full of diversity and creativity.
Sydney’s urban landscape needs an injection of innovation as the city looks to more efficient use of urban areas to accommodate population growth. Small House was designed not only to be my own home, but also to test a development model for downtown urban living as an alternative to the ubiquitous luxury apartment.
ACCOLADES
• World Architecture Festival (WAF), World House of the Year 2011
• Australian Institute of Architects, National Architecture Awards, Small Project Architecture 2011
• Australian Institute of Architects, NSW State Awards, Architecture Award, Small Projects 2011 and Residential Architecture Award, Single Housing 2011
• Houses Awards 2011, Presented by Houses Magazine
High Commendation, New House Under 200 m²
High Commendation, Outdoor (with Landscape Architects 360°)
PRODUCTS
APPLIANCES
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS
BATH SUPPLIER
ARTE DOMUS, AGAPE
ARTWORK
IAIN DAWSON GALLERY
FURNITURE
SPACE FURNITURE
GARDEN POTS
GARDEN LIFE
JOINERY
KARISMA JOINERY
LIGHTING & SPECIALIST BATHROOM FITTINGS
XENIAN LIGHTING, VIABIZZUNO
PLASTERBOARD
VAN DAVID INTERIORS
PRECAST CONCRETE
HANSON
SPECIALIST LIGHTING
DJ COALITION
STONE SUPPLIER
ARTE DOMUS
TREE & PLANT SUPPLIERS
TRANSPLANT INDUSTRIES
WINDOWS
K&K SHOPFITTERS
