Brunacci Residence.

Located on a site subjected to severe coastal winds, 'Brunacci House' was conceived as a “bulwark”, a protecting structure against extreme weather which the site is subjected to. Its simple form, recalls the feeling of ancient coastal forts and their protective walls. The solid mass of the house is punctuated with extensive glazing, allowing light and views throughout its spaces, creating a balance between openness and enclosure.

Use of precast concrete, chosen to create a feeling of refuge, is a robust and durable material which responds to the clients desire for the house to be a legacy for their family. A house to be passed down within the family for generations.

‘Brunacci House’ is located amongst a precinct of several significant heritage structures. Although large in mass, the use of concrete with its silver/grey tones, provides a neutrality to its form, helping to decrease its visual impact on the site. Use of a natural rock fence, references the historic use of the material in the vicinity, creating a dialogue with the house and its surroundings. The site impact is further minimised by utilising site opportunities, such as cutting the whole of the lower ground floor into the ground, thus matching the overall height of immediate surrounding houses.

The house is zoned vertically in stories, with internal spaces defined by four blade walls which extend through all floors, dividing the spaces. Use of extensive glazing between blade walls provides for expansive views to the east over East Beach and the west over the mouth of the Tamar River; addressing the clients request to maximise water views.

The lower ground floor contains the service areas and main entry, the ground floor, the sleeping and relaxing spaces, while the first floor, the main living spaces and kitchen. The roof serves as an expansive terrace area. The first-floor terrace and courtyard provide alternative sunny, sheltered, refuges from strong prevailing winds. Collaboration with the ESD consult enabled the house to achieve a 7-star energy efficiency rating without compromising on the use of extensive western facing glazing, where the prime views from the site are found.

The chosen material palate is comprised of predominantly concrete, stainless steel, and glass. Windows are highly specified with high-performance anodised coatings and decking is commercial thickness Iron Bark. This high material specification provides for the client's requirement for the consideration of the long-term durability of the house. In consideration of the intended lifecycle of the house, material selections provide a sound and economic long-term investment with chosen materials requiring minimal maintenance and of high durability.

The thermal mass created through the use of concrete, coupled with the extensive use of glass, results in the house being able to maintain a consistent temperature range throughout the seasons. The house is orientated east-west for views but enjoys uninterrupted northern sunlight to passively warm its internal spaces. The house utilises hydronic heating,taking advantage of its polished concrete floors.