Open to the scenery

Architects designing a home within beautiful surroundings may go beyond optimising the scenery, creating a residence that gracefully complements the environment it embraces.

This lakeside residence, by architects Tim Alt and Chad Healy, was developed through an intensive design and construction process, addressing both the lifestyle of the owners and the nature of the site.

"Built on a narrow, wooded site, the open, permeable design results from our client's desire for an easy connectivity to the lake and appreciation of the views from all areas," says Tim Alt.

The design comprises two timber-clad forms, connected by a central glass-enclosed breezeway and screened porch. Both wings offer views to the lake, which is also visible through the central element on the approach to the residence.

"The wings are set on a bluestone outcrop, and act as extensions of this natural feature, helping to ground the house," says Chad Healy. "A series of bluestone monolith steps leads away from the lakeside terrace toward the shoreline further extending the home's design vocabulary into the site."

In contrast to the solidity of the bluestone base, the upper part of the house has a lighter aesthetic, attributable to the cedar weatherboards, ample glazing and the central, see-through porch. With floor-to-ceiling windows on both wings facing the water views, the house can be thought of as a giant viewing platform, merging with its environment.

While the wings provide drama, it is the screened porch that is the heart of the design. It is this element that fulfils the desire of the clients for an airy, pervious house, open to its wooded environment.

"This connecting feature provides direct access between the southern car park, used as a play area, and the northern, lakeside yard, allowing a free flow across the centre of the home," says Tim Alt. "The link is reinforced by the bluestone paving used in both areas and the connecting porch."

To further integrate the house with its setting, raised-seam, dark bronze metal roofing flows down to cover the two outermost walls. Seen together, these elements enfold the house to form a sculptural cap, the dark bronze colour blending with the tones of the surrounding trees.

The overall roofline also runs at a consistent angle of 1:12 across the entire house. This subtle incline, similar to the line of a hill, intensifies the impression that the house is part of the landscape.

In terms of usage, the two wings are divided into public and private spaces. The public wing includes the living, family and dining areas, with kitchen and study, while the private wing is home to the master suite, the children's bedrooms, a laundry room and the garage.

The slope of the roof is reflected on the interior, with the highest ceiling at the far left of the home, appropriate to the living space that occupies this area. On this western, public end of the house, the metal wall is punctuated by a rhythmic window placement, allowing light in while also screening views of neighbours.

Structural support beams are disguised as part of the window wall's artfully spaced, cedar-clad fenestrations.

As might be expected in a home in tune with its rustic setting, the interiors feature eco-friendly surfaces, including reconstituted wenge and mahogany veneers and red birch floors.

Story by: Trendsideas