Marmion, Whadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia
Whadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia
2023
Gnarabup, Wardandi Country, Western Australia
2024
Proposal for a holiday home on an elevated, steep sloping site with sweeping coastal views. While the house is designed to accomodate our clients extended family over two levels, the screened outdoor staircase allows the two levels to operate separately as a multi-generational house.
Project Details
Site Type: Coastal
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Photographer: Picha Studio
Highgate Hill, Jagera Country, Queensland
Wembley, Whadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia
Darlington, Whadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia
2011
The site of this new split-level home on Hillsden Road in the Perth Hills suburb of Darlington presented particularly interesting design opportunities. The new house sits where once stood a small fibro cottage - the former gardener’s house and at one time the home of artist Hal Missingham. It wraps around granite outcrops and nestles within the existing garden. The two wings of the house are connected by a glass link that forms the main entry and provides glimpses to a large granite outcrop and the studio beyond.
The house has four bedrooms, each having framed views of the outside landscape. The main living areas of the house are located upstairs, inverting the traditional housing typology. These areas are filled with natural light and give a sense of being part of the surrounding landscape.
Photography - Acorn Photo
South Perth, Whadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia
2014
This new three level home is located on a corner, narrow, sloping site at the east end of South Perth, Western Australia, and has sweeping panoramic views of the Swan River and Perth City, from Kings Park to the Darling Ranges.
The architectural response creates a house with strong connections between the internal and external spaces, and where each room takes advantage of the spectacular views. In contrast to traditional Australian suburban houses, this home wraps around a courtyard forming the main outdoor space. A gallery space links the two building forms. The basement contains the service spaces, with living and sleeping on the entry and upper levels.
To minimise energy consumption and environmental impact, the house incorporates passive systems and initiatives such as single zone planning, compartmentalisation and double-glazing, along with a considerable investment in active systems. As part of this commitment, photovoltaic collectors, rainwater harvesting, mechanical shading devices and a hybrid air-conditioning/ventilation system have been integrated into the home.
Our clients spent many years working and living in the north of Western Australia and felt a deep connection to the region, a place characterised by landscapes that are full of beauty - wide open spaces, rich colours and a sense of timelessness. It is these characterisitcs that we have tried to capture in the Roseberry Street House.
Photography - Acorn Photo
Quindalup, Wardandi Country, Western Australia
2016
Spindrift Cove House is a reaction to Australia’s fixation on building big for the sake of it. We currently build bigger houses than America, which are energy intensive to construct, heat, cool and maintain. Spindrift Cove is a small house that has been designed to suit the needs of the residents, and is a demonstration of infill development which maintains social and environmental integrity.
The 96 sq.m., two bedroom house has been built on a small site, with an emphasis on solar passive design. A 3.5m northern setback allows for winter sun penetration into the living area to heat thermal mass of concrete slab, while well designed eaves, pergola and green wall provide shading in summer. A large glazed opening to the north provides easy access to an outdoor area and gives a sense of spaciousness.
Mature peppermint trees have been retained on the site, with native planting forming a key part of the landscaping to provide habitat for the endangered Western Ringtail Possum. The design has utilised water sensitive design elements such as rain water storage and reuse (plumbed to toilet and washing machine), rain gardens and a wicking bed for food production.
The smaller footprint has led to the design of spaces that easily adapt to suit changing needs. Less storage space has also promoted behavioural change in the occupants, questioning consumption and limiting items to those essential for the dwelling.
Photography - Pieter Naessens
Margaret River, Wardandi Country, Western Australia
2018
Berms and Barrels provides short stay accomodation and is tucked away in a quiet street of Margaret River town centre. Living areas have been located at the front of the house to take advantage of the views of a Karri forest reserve. A central courtyard increases opportunities for light, ventialtion and outlook of this tightly planned house.
Project Details
Site Type: Infill Lot
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Photographer: Pieter Naessens
Boranup, Wardandi Country, Western Australia
2007
Our clients love the beach and have lived down south on and off since the 1970s The property this house sits on is part of one of the first co-operatives in Western Australia on the edge of the Boranup Forest.
