Stonybrook

As seen on Channel 7 Television Program ‘Australia’s Best Houses’.

WINNER: 2013 Master Builder’s Association National Awards

The design genesis of this home began with the owner regularly walking past the site in a newly developed area in Sydney’s North West. Eventually the opportunity and potential of the site became too intriguing to ignore. Simple design possibilities were sketched until a more specific design brief was established. The design brief in its simplest form was to create a home that maintained the architectural character of the area while adding aesthetic elements which ensured a distinction between adjacent homes. There was also a requirement to understate the size of the home in relation to the streetscape. The internal layout of the home needed to be unique yet functional with attention given to the detail of quality inclusions.

The owner and architect worked closely together to create an integrated design featuring a curved swimming pool and circular sunken lounge room which provides the fulcrum of the design. Such a unique design element allowed the opportunity to enhance the individuality of the home. The façade of the home utilises Alpine stone cladding and Blackbutt timber screening to juxtapose the simplicity of the smooth rendered walls. A native Narrowleaf Bottle Tree was sourced to bring a contemporary connection to the landscaping and yard of the home.

The northerly rear aspect of the site provided the opportunity to include glazing elements that take advantage of the location of the pool and yard, as well as providing passive solar assistance. The integration of the pool and yard into the design of the home is amalgamated by the alfresco area which features a cantilevered roof to ensure that no structural elements inhibit this transition. The important use of symmetry is accentuated by the impressive curved glass panels which frame the pool and spa of the home. Natural light and ventilation penetrate deep into the home through double height spaces and operable windows allowing for easy air flow and connectivity throughout these areas.

Internally, materials and finishes were sourced with consideration to quality. Polished porcelain, glass mosaics and metallic textiles were selected for their illuminative and reflective qualities, whilst natural stone walling, and timber veneer doors were specified to balance the vastness of this space.

A studio area provides a transition between the basement and ground floor areas of the home. The incorporation of this area into the living areas of the home whilst remaining a separate space proved to be a design challenge which was overcome by adding curved internal glazing and raising the floor height of the room. Stringybark parquetry timber flooring has been used in this space, and its retro styling is enhanced with the inclusion of a Wurlitzer jukebox and classic musical instruments.

A number of environmental elements enhance the sustainability of this home. A 3KW photovoltaic system has been installed to assist in energy conservation. Skylights to the alfresco and kitchen areas improve the natural light quality. A comprehensive CBUS lighting system manages the use of power, whilst a 10,000L underground water tank is reticulated to all external taps, toilets and garden irrigation. Solar passive design and a rear northerly orientation also assist in limiting the environmental impact of the home.

Part of the design brief was to eliminate the impact that the façade of the home has on the streetscape. This was achieved by creating 9 separate floor levels which complement the natural slope of the site. This provided a number of construction challenges relating to set-out, waterproofing and finishes. “We overcame these challenges through the extensive use of site surveying and attention to detail during construction”, said Richard Gremmo from Gremmo Homes. Another challenge related to the construction of the curved pool. “An integral aspect of the design of this home is the proximity of the pool to the living areas of the home. There were also a number of issues relating to symmetry which had to be considered. This once again provided set-out challenges. Our onsite team paid great attention to detail in these areas and we achieved a fantastic final result” said Richard.

The landscape design of the home incorporates a number of advanced plants and trees which balance the more linear design elements of the home while enhancing some of the architectural renderings such as the stone and timber claddings. The landscaping design brief requested the use of a number of differing plant and tree species to increase the colour palette of the home while creating additional aesthetic components. The cohesive management of the home, pool and landscaping design and construction processes has ensured that the home is both functional and aesthetically pleasing whilst maintaining a high level of attention to quality and detail. This has resulted in a successful fruition of the original design brief.

Stonybrook

WINNER: 2013 Master Builder’s Association National Awards

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