Flinders Residence / Abe McCarthy Architects
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- space:
921 square meters
general:
2020
Pictures: Shannon McGrath
Manufacturers: ButAnd CDK stoneAnd Eco outdoorAnd lossesAnd MilliAnd AV-ID and Abe McCarthy ArchitectsAnd ApplewoodAnd brunet limestoneAnd Colorbond & LysaghtAnd libreAnd sikksAnd WOCA Wood Finishing ProductsAnd firewood-
Principal engineer:
Abe McCarthy
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Text description provided by the architects. A study in modern rustic lifestyle, it appears as a zone of barn-like forms that speak of land, land and the interplay of texture, light and space. Gabled roofs and carved bays open onto the landscape from every angle, creating a continuous dialogue between sun and shade.
The design is based on creating a romantic evocation of farmhouse-style living, while supporting it with a very practical and decisive cross-sectional space. As the site was initially an open plaza, the design response was essential to interact with the views in all directions. The building has been divided into three interconnected wings to allow for light and air, framed views, and separate spaces that function as a whole and independently.
The barn forms provide ample opportunity to interact with the landscape in an expansive way at ground level, then move on to more intimate and cozy experiences on the upper ‘loft’ levels. This allowed the design to use double-height spaces while maintaining a sense of warmth and home comfort.
In terms of sustainable initiatives, the project uses several key strategies to allow it to perform in an off-grid context:
- Biomass boiler feed heating and hot water.
- Solar array provides primary energy.
- Storing rainwater for domestic water supply, irrigation and firefighting reserves.
- Large thermal block designed to absorb low sunlight in summer for passive solar heating.
- Ventilated and operable glazing including operable skylights to allow the building to breathe and cool naturally, or closed to handle extreme seasonal conditions.
Our clients sought a design that embodies this feeling of warmth and comfort in chalet-type projects they had experienced in mountainous regions across the globe. The interior expression of the wood-lined dwelling gives the house a warmth and depth of natural charm.
“The result was amazing because it is everything we wanted in terms of the way we live in the house, the warmth and closeness that the original brief sought, however, there is a modern architectural feature to the whole house that makes it extraordinary to live in.” JNS – Client.
Our clients have been stylistically inspired by non-contemporary buildings including rustic local types of European and American heritage.
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