Ship to shore

Good architecture is often about the basics and in our climate, that means designing a home as a cool refuge during the hot summer months, and a warm retreat on cooler winter days. That normally requires air conditioning, but for this new home, green building principles have been used instead.

A passive cooling system was not the only requirement from the clients, a young family and their empty-nester parents, says architect Geoff Ferris-Smith of Dimidium Design Company they wanted two self contained but adjacent homes.

"As with any project, I let the science determine the form of the house first, based on factors like wind patterns and the position of the sun," says Ferris-Smith, a specialist in high-end eco-friendly homes. "This principle becomes part of the DNA of the homes I design."

Having analysed sunlight angles and prevailing winds, Ferris-Smith designed a tall, narrow building divided into two homes along its north-south axis. It has been oriented to face due east, so the homes capture the westerly light in the evening. The building's northern side has operable louvres over the glazing, to protect the interior from harsh summer rays, while the more buffeted southerly side has large frameless glass panels that can be shut against the wind. The basement garage is 900mm below ground and remains a constant 16°C throughout the year.

"As the hot air rises, cool air is drawn through the basement, and then escapes through two central courtyards in each apartment, which form tall funnels," he says.

Glazed walkways, which can be closed on stormy or cold days, link the dining and family areas. Roof terraces provide a cool spot for warm summer evenings, as well as views to the beach.

"This is a complex house in terms of how it responds to its environment. It's like a yacht its louvres, doors and windows can be angled in the right way, so that the homes can be constantly adjusted to suit the conditions."

Ocean spray can reach the homes during storms, so materials were chosen for durability as well as aesthetics. The glazing has a permanent bonded EnduroShield protective coating, and the rendered brick exterior is painted with a Murobond paint system and sealant.

Construction was carried out by Abuild Pro. The company was chosen for its experience in high-end residential projects, and for its ability to execute a detailed architectural brief, says Ferris-Smith.

For details, contact Dimidium Design Company, Level 1, 39 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, phone (02) 9267 0001, fax (02) 9267 0006. Email: geoff.ferrissmith@dimidium.com.au, or visit the website: www.dimidium.com.au.

For details about EnduroShield, contact Origen Australia, PO Box 903, Baulkham Hills, NSW 1755, phone (02) 9639 7167, mobile 0405 536 436, fax (02) 9639 9436. Email: choward@origenaustralia.com, or visit the website: www.origenaustralia.com.

Contact Abuild Pro, Suite 2, 409-411 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028, phone (02) 9363 4227, fax (02) 9363 4229. Email: info@abuildpro.com.au. Website www.abuildpro.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas