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Project by
Location
Towradgi, New South Wales
Year of completion
2019
Project cost
$1m - $2m

With Scandinavian & Japanese influences, this house is designed around a central courtyard providing a transparent feel from the Genkan (Traditional Japanese Entryway), through the courtyard and living areas onto the yard and a natural reserve at the rear of the property.

Providing beautiful natural light, airflow, and agreat sense of transparency across the house, and in addition to its elegant Japanese Palm Tree, the Courtyard becomes the heart of the house.

Concrete floors, recycled hardwood elements, added to clean white lines set up the interior mood, whilst Deep Charred Black Timber cladding, combined with natural & recycled hardwood details, windows & doors, provide a special feel and texture to the exteriors.

Indoor and Outdoor spaces merge naturally throughout the house. Large openings and access to natural light through different details and features provide a great perception of open space. At the rear, gallery stairs blend the terrace into the yard providing purpose to the required higher floor level due to site conditions.

A Tesla battery, including an electric car charging dock, is fed by a large solar panel range spread between the 32-degree north-facing roof and flat roofs behind parapets for additional support. Additionally, Hydraulic in-slab heating fed by solar energy, combined with powered louvres for effective airflow, the house is in constant comfort as seasons change throughout the year.

Photography: Shaw Photography 

Awards and
recognition

2019
Building Designers Association of Australia - BDAA
Winner Alts & Adds - Sydney Regional Design Awards 2019
2020
Dezeen Magazine
Longlisted - Dezeen Awards 2020
2021
Trends Design Ideas
Runner Up - Australian Designer Homes - TIDA Design Awards 2021
Alex Urena Design Studio
New South Wales
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About the
Professional

Alex Urena Design Studio is a Bulli (Illawarra) based Building Design Practice specialized primarily in custom designed and quality residential projects.

Director and lead designer, Alex Urena is originally from Peru, where he worked as an Architect between 2003 & 2010 in a range of residential and commercial projects. 

After relocating to Australia in 2010, and achieving Accreditation as a Building Designer in 2013, the business was relaunched as Alex Urena Design Studio in Bulli, Illawarra region.


Our Studio offers personal attention to our client's lifestyle and needs as part of the design process in order to produce a unique custom residence for each family and context. With great attention to detail, our projects will provide a balance between the land and its surrounding with style and functionality.