This design won awards for Best Sustainable Design, Best New Home up to 250m2, and Best Use of Colorbond Steel, at the 2014 BDAQ State Awards. It also won Best New Home up to 250m2 at the 2014 BDAQ Regional Awards.
With this riverside “eco-cottage”, the clients wanted an exceptional quality home, including high “eco-sustainability” – but “modest” rather than “way-over-the-top”. It was to be 2 storey or high-set to gain good river views but with good connection to the gardens.
The house is a series of interlinked volumes that grow progressively taller towards the east, culminating in a two storey structure that reaches out to towards the river. A small deck overlooking the mangroves is sheltered by the floor above and is shared by the lounge area and a guest bedroom with bathroom facility.
An open stair anchored by a timber plinth rises through the double storey space to a mezzanine style study that opens into a sitting room with unencumbered views over the mangrove wetlands and south-east down the river. Large glass doors open to a small verandah to allow a strong connection with the nature beyond.
Efficiency of space has been a high priority for the project. Minimal/no corridor space is used. All rooms are a comfortable size, whilst not being overly large. All living rooms allow for flexibility of furniture layouts.
Built by award-winning Peter Curley Constructions.
