A home design in concert with nature

Owner Tina had a clear vision for the house from the outset. A nature lover, she wanted the home to be in harmony with the surrounding environment. "I wanted to appreciate the wildlife in the area and at the same time achieve privacy," she says.

Architect John Mason faced several challenges when it came to designing the house. An 8m-high medical centre next door was a potential eyesore, so John built a firewall to the boundary of the property so that the medical centre was no longer visible. 

The land the house was to be built on also posed some problems – the area was prone to floods and the soil was of a low quality. 

"The area was a minimum subsidence area with a low bearing capacity and acid sulphate soils," says John. "I built a lightweight structure on a concrete waffle pod slab that didn't require excavation, nor disturb the medical centre. We also built the floor of the house 500mm above the flood plain.

Inside the house, high-density plasterboard, insulation, seals and double glazing have been installed for the purposes of energy efficiency, and to combat noise from outside and from other areas of the house. 

Wheelchair access was included because of council regulations relating to the home office, but John extended this access to encompass the bed and breakfast. He sees this feature as setting an example for others who might pass through the property.

Tina is thrilled with the new home and is particularly fond of the kitchen and living area. "It has a fabulous view that complements our focus on creating meals and allowing guests to participate in that process," she says.

John Mason

Mason Architects

What were you trying to achieve with your design of this dwelling?

It needed to fit into the local context and it had to fit between a commercial building used as a medical centre and a 100-year-old heritage-listed house.

What were some of the challenges you encountered during the design process and how did you resolve them?

The medical centre wall was eight metres high on the western boundary – I built a firewall to the boundary so that it was no longer visible. The area is prone to flooding, so the floor level is 500mm above the flood plain. The front garden was built up so that the house didn't appear so high.

What are some of the environmentally sustainable features of the house?

The house is energy efficient due to north-facing shaded glass, double glazing on the south side, good insulation, the concrete slab with tiles (for thermal mass) and high windows to vent hot air. There is solar hot water and a rainwater tank plumbed to WC cisterns and the laundry.

Why was it important to you to have wheelchair access?

Universal access to the home office was required by the council. I also provided the bed and breakfast with wheelchair access, partly to demonstrate universal access to clients.

What are the particular challenges that come with designing a house that incorporates a home office?

It's a challenge to create a dwelling that has a unique identity and to keep a separation between business and family life.

Tina

What was your vision for this house?

To create an archetypal home – one that is welcoming. I also wanted to create a strong relationship with the riverfront, to use materials that relate to the area and to Australia, and to be open to the environment.  

Did you have much input into the design?

Yes, I chose the materials and colours that relate to and blur into the environment.

Which rooms/features/aspects of the new house do you love, and why?

My favourite place is the kitchen/living room area. I also love the bedroom with its bay window. I like looking out at the birds, and the high windows are good for air flow.

Is there anything you would change about the process if you were to go through it again?

No, I'm really happy with how things turned out.