Christchurch House

The brief was a competition to design a contemporary refined house in a leafy character suburb. The client requested that the house connect with a large, level, urban garden site. The approach to the site is from the west. The entry to the house extends down the south side of the property through an entry porch and onto a vehicle court beyond.

The house is planned as four pavilions with a central vertical and horizontal circulation link connecting the forms. The set out of the pavilions and their interior spaces affords an east courtyard and west outdoor room for both morning and evening use. These outdoor spaces are also positioned to offer sheltered options from prevailing local winds. The projecting stained timber overhanging forms of the first floor, lighten the bulk of the building whilst providing covered outdoor areas that bring the garden areas into the house. The stained timber soffits, weather boards and shutters add a tree house feel to the architecture.

A material palette of solid plastered masonry, stained timber and copper roofing balance finely resolved junctions and details. This style is also reflected in the interior where fine details and furnishings complement the scale of the spaces and achieve a comfortable and luxurious environment. The overall effect of the multiple forms breaks down the scale of the building. This creates intimate spaces both inside and out that connect with the garden site.

Photography: Jamie Armstrong