The house stretches across the east-west oriented site to incorporate views north over the adjacent harbour and ensure all living and sleeping spaces receive full sun.

Adaptability and accessibility allows for use through an occupant’s changing circumstances and stages of life. This is provided for with features such as level access, wide corridors to facilitate unimpeded movement and the ability to easily adapt the toilet, bathroom and kitchen spaces to accommodate someone with a disability. The house achieved a 5-Star Lifemark™ rating.

The design allows for building in stages, from a simple two bedroom up to a full family-sized house, enhancing affordability.

Energy efficiency is core to the design and includes above-code levels of insulation, thermally broken windows and doors, energy efficient lighting and appliances and PV panels. Solar gain is carefully managed through the use of roof overhangs and louvres.

Angled ‘verandah’ posts to the north elevation serve multiple roles including structural support of the roof overhang, support for sun control louvres and PV panels, space for climbing plants and a place to hang a hammock or swing.

Internally, the layout splits off the entry sunspace, with the sleeping and bathing areas to the west and the main living spaces to the east. These living areas open to north-facing decks and a paved courtyard to the east, providing a variety of outdoor spaces. A separate lounge off the family room also accesses the north-facing deck.

Visual and active connections to the street are maintained through windows from the kitchen, study and lounge and a morning courtyard off the kitchen. A screened service area shields the bathroom from the street and provides space for the rainwater tank and recycling/rubbish storage.

Contact Don Jamieson