By Dwelling Architectural Design
Sitting on the hills overlooking Mosgiel - this house is about taking in the views and the sun...with a series of simple mono-pitched roofs and complementary materials.
The clients requested a two-storey residence, which was dictated by the steepness of the site. The main living area was on a single level, with a workshop, guest bedrooms, and a bathroom downstairs.
The garage (4 car) along with an indoor kennel (dog breeding) were required on the main level to ensure future proofing regarding issues of accessibility and universal design.
Sun and views out over Mosgiel were desired with a house that had an exterior palette of schist, cedar and Colorsteel Heritage Tray. The interior palette of tiles, timber (hemlock), wallpaper and paint needed to complement this.
A series of mono-pitched roofs were needed to work with the site, and a deep cut into the hillside at the rear ensured the residence complied with Council height controls. A large cantilever of the first floor out over the workshop and the curved schist wall below ensured that the driveway did not dominate the project, as it was in danger of doing so due to the steepness of the site.
Outdoor areas created separate spaces for evening dining, morning breakfast, guest areas and space for dogs to run.
DWELLING’S PHILOSOPHY
Designing is part of the process of creating, and it should be a process that is enjoyed by all – from the client to the sub-contractor. It is a chance to dream and the end result should be something that everyone is proud of.
Design needs to be sustainable, individual & tailored for the site. Thought needs to be given to materials, sun, views, prevailing wind, budget and how the client lives in order to make the final outcome relevant.
Design needs to be thorough with attention paid to detail. This is the art of communicating through drawings. Time and attention paid at the start, pays dividends during the build. Design decisions need to be made early. It is strange but true that to make something look simple and elegant takes more time, thought and detail than making a cluttered form.
Creating takes a team. For a build to be a successful, it takes teamwork from the client, the designer, consultants, the contractor and sub-contractors working towards a common goal. We are in this together and together we can come up with creative solutions. The job does not end when the design is complete but the designer needs to be involved until the end.
That is Dwelling’s goal – Creative, sustainable and thoughtful design, brought to life by a team that enjoys the process.