0207 / Built Works / Portfolio
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Project Summary
Designed for a young couple, this modern contemporary home takes full advantage of its prestigious site on Castle Hill. Due to the steepness of the site, special considerations were taken when developing the design and the result is a four level house, stepping up the rock face. The multi story design allows for specific use of each level. Entry to the home is on the ground floor through a large timber joinery door surrounded by glazing. This opens into the foyer where an open stair case lines the walls rising to a bridge overhead. The first floor comprises of an open plan living area where the front deck wraps around the house providing panoramic ocean views, to both the indoor and outdoor living areas. The second floor consists of three bedrooms, the main bathroom, a study nook and an open television room. The main bedroom, sporting a large walk-in-robe and ensuite, can be found on its own private level, the third floor of the house.
Situated at the rear of the block the size of the house does not overpower the street scape and yet still manages to make a valuable statement to it. The use of curved and angular elements throughout creates visual interest and the entry, with its expansive use of glazing, lights up like a ‘lantern’ at night.
Designed to ‘nestle’ into the rocky contours, the impact on the site was kept to a minimum. The home features a combination of rendered block, FC sheeting and timber board cladding externally and multiple skillion rooflines. The innovative use of curved steel members to form the front deck creates contrast to the otherwise angular façade. Carefully positioned windows capture the magnificent views and allow an abundance of light and breeze to flow through the home.
The site is long and narrow running north to south, with views spanning from northeast to northwest. This allows the front of the house to open up to the north taking full advantage of the views while maintaining the most desirable aspect for the tropics. By using a skillion roof design, large overhangs could strategically slope down towards the west blocking out the unwanted afternoon sun. The decision not to incorporate gutters means, roof water is allowed to shed evenly over the site and follow the natural undisturbed water courses down to the street. High ceilings, throughout the house, promote natural airflow and convection cooling. It is advantageous in the tropics to minimise heat transference and by using lightweight building materials combined with reflecting foils, wall and roof conductivity is reduced and heat dissipation accelerated.
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