After living rurally for a number of years, our clients wanted the next chapter of their lives to have the convenience of being closer to town. They had secured an almost square, flat site, on the small subdivision of Greywood estate, which is almost entirely surrounded by established trees.

An easily accessible home with generous spaces was required with the ability to extend into a guest wing when necessary. This home had to invite sunlight inside all year round, without the over-use of glazing. This was achieved by two rectangles or wings, one with a north-east orientation and the other with a north-west. This allowed the bedrooms to soak up the morning sun, while the kitchen and living areas would bask in the all-day, evening sun, all year round.

With no obvious views, the site had to allow for extensive garden landscaping for an outlook, as well as retaining privacy from future neighbours. With multiple decking areas, outdoor living is catered for at any time of day.

Low maintenance was a top priority for this design. A light grey concrete coloured plaster render was used for the bedroom wing, with Mondrian style windows to provide lightness to a monolithic form. A dark fibre cement panel was used for the living wing, with glazing sizes to marry with the panelled modules. The contrast between the two claddings, marks the anchor point of the butterfly roof, which allows for a low slung form to the street front, but a grand sloping ceiling height to the living spaces at the rear.

A vertical cedar clad garage door defines the entrance without disrupting the minimal, sleek silhouette. These timber accents are continued throughout the home through the use of parquet flooring, soffits, cabinetry and decking boards.

Construction of this project will begin in June 2019, with Dawes Construction. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for progress updates.