Looking ahead

Designed by Kelli Rieck,  Rieck Building Design

From the building designer:

This custom built luxury home has high, sweeping views out to a picturesque lake. The site was steep sloping and triangular in shape. Views to the lake are on the southeast side of the dwelling while the street side is north facing.

The owners’ previous home was quite cold due to lack of north light into living areas so they wanted to include passive solar design, but still have views. 

Future accessibility for the aging owners was an important design consideration along with low maintenance materials. Built-in storage to maintain a clutter free house was also desired. 

The owners’ love for entertaining meant the kitchen was to be the entertainment hub. Every room has access to an outdoor living area. 

The lower level has polished concrete throughout for easy maintenance and thermal mass.

Warm timber cladding welcomes you to the entry of this home. Step inside and you're in the centre, where the lift and stairwell are located. The home’s minimalist theme continues throughout the home. 

A simple palette of natural materials was desired throughout. Upper level spotted gum timber floors inject warmth and earthiness into the space, complementing the cooler metallic greys, crisp white joinery and large expanses of glass that frame views of the sapphire blue lake water.

A translucent glass wall sits beyond the stairs allowing sunlight to flood the stairwell and fall onto the interior exposed off-form concrete walls and polished concrete floor.

Louvres windows on opposing sides of the single depth room allow for cross ventilation. The open stairwell allows for stack ventilation from the louvres on the lower level to the upper level clerestory operable awning windows. 

Large expanses of glass bring the lake views in. Doors throughout the home are oversize and have large D handles. Sliding doors have integrated sill drains to allow for zero threshold design.

The kitchen design follows the minimalist theme with its streamlined shapes and integrated handles. 

Both the cabinets and benchtops are a combination of high gloss, grey, metallic with contrasting white. Either side of the kitchen there are sitting areas connected to decks to allow for a variety of indoor/outdoor living.

All bedrooms have lake views to the southeast and openings on adjacent sides of the room to promote natural cross ventilation. The bedrooms also have ceiling fans. 

All living areas are single depth rooms with lake views to the southeast and translucent glass to openings on the north street to allow sunlight in and provide privacy from the street at the same time.

All wet areas have translucent glass to openings for privacy, while large walk-in showers allow for accessible use.

Designed by: Rieck Building Design

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Chris Erickson