Brief
To design a well-sized, functional family home for a narrow block. Elevated floor levels to maximise water and district views, while still maintaining connection with the rear garden.
Unique Aspects
- 10-metre wide block
- Large slope to rear, creating stormwater issues
- Storage requirements for owners triathlon gear
- Requirements for dedicated home office
Story
Having a young, growing family meant owners Heidi and Otto had outgrown their
old disjointed home in Curl Curl. Rather than let life roll along, they knew building
now would pay off, allowing them to raise their family in a comfortable and healthy
new home.
Being a narrow block, peoples’ first instinct is to build closer to each boundary to
maximise the size of the house. However, right from our first brief, we had other
ideas for this home. Our ideas of reducing the width of the living area to
accommodate a zen garden was met with some trepidation. Let’s say there were
many discussions about this garden but our clients could see the benefit and
placed their trust in us to deliver. In the end, it would be one of our favourite aspects
of the home. The use of the low-set louvre windows in the living area, draws the
eye down to the greenery rather than the neighbouring house. Incorporating a post-
less corner window allows this greenery to be seen right down the hallway to the
front door.
The choice of black windows in this home is a standout. They work well with the
crisp white, both inside and out. The simplicity of the colour palette allows the
greenery to come to the fore both inside and outside the home. The stepping-in of
the rear living areas, together with well-considered windows and void areas, allows
glorious northern sunlight to penetrate deep into the narrow house.
