© Peter Bennetts
- Architects: Studio Nicholas Burns
- Location: Western Australia, Australia
- Area: 450.0 sqm
- Project Year: 2016
- Photographs: Peter Bennetts
© Peter Bennetts
From the architect. Located and hour and a half north of Perth in the Chittering valley. The landscape is a combination of cleared areas for farming and bushland. Gently rolling hills and the patch work of vegetation under the vast Western Australian sky provide a great context for the project.
The climate is one of extremes, hot and dry in summer and cold and damp in winter.
© Peter Bennetts
The house nestles into the steeply sloped hill, providing both a refuge and a frame to connect the occupants to the landscape. The materiality and detailing seek to create a stillness and a neutral backdrop, intensifying the interconnection. The design provides a series of interrelated experiences rather than an static aesthetic response.
Floor Plan
Materials are chosen to be low maintenance and left unfinished; gradually weathering and forming a patina over time-becoming integrated with the landscape. The intent is a sense of dematerialisation both as an object in the landscape and from within.
© Peter Bennetts
Open living spaces connect to the natural landscape as well as courtyards and a decking area, framing and abstracting nature. Providing contrasts and a variety of connected outdoors areas to sit and or eat.
© Peter Bennetts
These contrasts; of open views, framed views, abstracted courts as well as thin light apertures enliven space and describe the diurnal flow in a series of shadows and hues over the seasons.
© Peter Bennetts
Sounds of nature and the waterfall are a design element given equal importance layering experience in the outdoor spaces.
Section
Section
The house provides a private retreat for the owners and also a meeting place for extended family. The north west east wing opens up revealing beds and bathrooms that provide habitation for extended family. When the owners, a retired couple are home alone this area is closed. Leaving a surprising intimacy where the couple’s paths of life unfold.
© Peter Bennetts
The courtyard garden in raised corten beds is productive; producing fruit, herbs and vegetables. An essential element especially when in an isolated location.
© Peter Bennetts
Rammed earth walls huge thermal mass ameliorate temperature fluctuations over the seasons. High performance glazing, ventilation and a geothermal convective system ensure that comfort is maintained and energy consumption is very low.
© Peter Bennetts
Museum grade LED lighting not only displays art at it’s best; the rendering of space and reflected light give the spaces an essential quality without hinderance even without natural light.
© Peter Bennetts
Sig Nordal 