Various framing systems from Carinya Residential Windows & Doors were specified for a modern home in Bairnsdale, VIC to achieve passive design objectives. Named ‘Ramsar Fields’, the house designed by John McAuley Architecture pays homage to the nearby Gippsland Lakes, which is one of Australia’s 66 designated ‘Ramsar’ sites – protected wetlands important for conserving biological diversity.
A modern take on the traditional Australian homestead, the house, which is surrounded by acres of open grass paddock, consists of a series of linked pods featuring specifically orientated glazing to make the most of the rural views and energy-saving principles. The house has a flexible well-planned design that protects it from prevailing winds, and will allow the owners to potentially live off the grid.
Elements such as windows, doors and coverings were located based on passive design principles to shade the home from the summer sun, capitalise on solar warming in winter, and enable passive cooling by taking advantage of seasonal breezes. All the windows and doors were selected from Carinya’s Classic and Select ranges, both featuring commercial-level credentials and designed to deliver high performing products to the residential market.
While Carinya Classic sliding doors were installed to access all three outdoor terraces, Select 125mm hinged doors were used for the other exterior access points. Invisi-Gard security screens installed along with these doors allow passive cooling in summer by enabling cross-building airflow. Along with their high visibility and security credentials, Invisi-Gard screens have a BAL40 rating to suit bushfire environments.
Additionally, the slim, vertical Carinya Classic awning windows punctuate the wooden feature facades while Classic sliding windows have been used in both vertical and horizontal sliding motions for utility and bedroom areas. Lockable chain winders attached to the wide sash on the awning windows ensure security.
All Carinya window and door frames were finished in Dulux Black Matt to provide a visually appealing contrast to the house’s barn-like appearance created by the red brick walls, wood facades and corrugated metal gable roofs.
Alspec products installed by Absolute Dynamic Windows (fabricators) at the rural homestead project included Carinya Classic awning frames, Carinya Classic sliding window frames, Carinya Classic sliding door frames, Carinya Classic 125mm sliding door frames, Invisi-Gard sliding doors and windows, and McArthur 101.6mm centre pocket frames.
Photography: Felix Mooneeram
