On point

Designed by Kelli Rieck, Rieck Building Design

From the building designer:

The context

The owner purchased a sloping corner block near a public reserve with access to the beach.

The site was constrained by 3m easements on three sides, with a 7.5m easement on the fourth side, and a 7m height limit.

The two street frontages meant the site was very exposed to passersby using the streets and accessing the reserve, while the slope of the land added further complexity.

In addition, an existing two-storey dwelling to the north was built very close to the boundary and overshadows a large portion of the block.

The homeowner requested a dwelling with upper level (also ground level given the slope) entry and a library, main bedroom, ensuite, and open plan living ranged around a central north facing covered patio on this upper level.

The lower level was to be able to be self-contained with its own lower level entry, garage, a further 2 bedrooms, bathroom, wet-bar and lounge area for their adult children.

The owner was also interested in having a butterfly roof from the street facade with timber cladding and using a new Colorbond cladding product.

When it became apparent that there were better views from the second level than originally anticipated, the owner decided to add a viewing platform to access and enjoy better views to the ocean and headland beyond once above the neighbour’s roof height.

Design solution

Given the slope, setbacks, small view corridor and two street frontages, identifying the building envelope was the first step.

Overshadowing from the neighbours’ dwelling could be reduced once elevated hence the north facing courtyard being placed on the upper level with the living areas creating an "L" shape around the central courtyard.

This arrangement allowing views out the northwest corner to the reserve beyond, with some glimpses of ocean.

The exterior elevated viewing platform is also accessed from the courtyard.

This allows views past the neighbouring dwelling to the ocean and adds interest to the north and west elevations while also providing shading to the lower-level lounge area glazing and patio below.

Privacy for the homeowners was achieved with a different solution on each elevation.

A Colorbond clad, sawtooth facade along the southern side positions glazing to let in eastern light.

Thanks to the angle of the sawtooth it is difficult to look back into the interior of the dwelling.

Feature timber cladding and doors, and only one high window achieves privacy on the Eastern street elevation.

The timber doors can be opened to reveal the glass airlock in the foyer.

A combination of roof types add interest to the street views – the East side having a butterfly shape and the South side having a sawtooth shape.

Ground level entry is also possible on the lower level.

A separate stairwell allows for both levels to be connected or accessed separately providing a self-contained area for the owners’ adult children or guests.

Designed by: Kelli Rieck, Rieck Building Design

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Chris Erickson