Aiming High - Metropol

Designed by Borrmeister Architects, the brief for the ‘Red Rock House’ on Whitewash Head Road was for a relaxed, playful home, capturing the sun and views to the beach and uphill park, whilst providing shelter from the prevailing winds – as well as incorporating easy driveway access and parking.

Director Wulf Borrmeister says to tackle the difficult site, the house was designed around a strict 1.2m grid, resulting in a simple, rectangular foot print that stretched over three levels. “It was a challenging project, but we are really pleased with the result and the outcome was a team effort between all the parties involved.”

Stand-out features include the stone-faced basement walls, appearing to grow out of the rock face, while anchoring the home firmly on the ground. The upper floors were designed to be sun-filled and open, consisting mainly of glass facades behind sliding cedar screens, providing sun control, natural cross ventilation, cooling and privacy. The home is protected by a lightweight, sail-like roof ‘floating’ above the space on two tree-like timber and steel support structures.

On the top level is an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, and a snug study. Three bedrooms, bathrooms, a laundry and sauna are on the middle level, with a double garage and storage in the basement. The stunning cantilever staircase was a challenge, says Mark Allworthy of Bates Joinery, “but the entire home’s design was amazing and it was a pleasure working with Avenue Homes, who put a lot of thought into every detail and accept nothing less than perfect”.

Large decks connect the house with a swimming pool, outdoor shower, veggie garden, ‘grandstand’ seating area and the uphill park. The exterior materials include plaster, corrugated Coloursteel and stone, sourced from the site’s excavated rock; and complemented by a simple internal material palette of timber floors, light and dark walls, with playful wallpaper.

The family home incorporates a range of environmentally conscious features and emphasises the bespoke architecture Borrmeister aims for. “We treat every home as unique and we’re really happy to be recognised for this award.”