Several Alspec products were selected for a unique project in the rural surrounds of Denmark, WA to draw in natural light as well as open up beautiful views into the country landscape.
Located in Little River, Denmark, the project designed by PTX Architects sought to bring together the old and new, by restoring an old weatherboard cottage and building a brand new modern residence adjacent to it. The owner-builder also wanted to seamlessly integrate the older, restored cottage with the new building.
The challenge for the architects was to design a modern residence adjacent to a historic cottage without overpowering it. The result is a low profile, charred timber and glass façade creation, which provides a reflective contrast to the older white weatherboard cottage. A new timber walkway with native planting connects the two residences, each structure settled in the landscape, enhancing the other while enjoying the beautiful pastoral and water views.
The entranceway and the cantilevered living area of the new building feature a structural system of posts and beams requiring fewer vertical supports, and products from Alspec’s Hastings front glazed framing system. Front glazed systems are designed to enable glazing adaptors and covers to be easily fitted to other structures such as aluminium, steel or timber and are ideal for upmarket residential project applications where the appearance of a sheer wall of glass is desired.
A dappled effect is created by perforated screens combined with an expansive skylight above the entranceway. Constructed using Hastings 550 plant on front glazed framing, the skylight and screen combination creates visual interest while effectively drawing in natural light to the centre of the home.
Meanwhile, the cantilevered living area, enclosed on three sides with sheer walls of Hastings front glazed framing, floats above the ground to further give an appreciation of the natural surrounds. The large floor to ceiling panels of glazing amplify the outdoor aspect and minimise interruptions to the rural views.
Breezway louvre windows feature in all rooms of the home, adjacent to the larger windows for natural cooling and ventilation. Louvre systems provide a practical ventilation alternative as they maximise air flow while maintaining light and views. In addition to providing dependable protection from the elements thanks to specially designed seals, louvre systems are also easy to operate and clean from inside the building.
Alspec products used in the Little River project included Swan Evo 45mm commercial shopfront door, awning and casement windows; and Hastings 550 front glazed plant on sections in Dulux Duratec Zeus Black Matt finish.
Photographer: Bo Wong
