Living Screen House in Australia by CplusC Architectural Workshop

Article source: CplusC Architectural Workshop

A single-family residence on a narrow site, this stunning home built for entertaining, features a unique lap-pool abutting a double height social space which spills out to the rear BBQ area. Living green wall screens to the front and side façades provide privacy and a sense of retreat.

The clients’ brief was for a home which could be both a springboard for entertaining and a private family retreat. The site constraints and the practice’s commitment to passive solar design and natural daylighting drove much of the resulting form.

Living Area, Image Courtesy © Michael Lassman

• Architects: CplusC Architectural Workshop
• Project: Living Screen House
• Location: Australia
• Photography: Murray Fredericks, Michael Lassman, Jem Cresswell

Media Room, Image Courtesy © Michael Lassman

Conceptually, the spatial planning of the house is split into social and family spaces. Downstairs, the kitchen, living, dining and outdoor spaces are located to optimise solar access while enjoying strong visual connections between spaces. The acrylic wall between above ground lap pool and lounge room refracts sparkling natural light into the double height social spaces, wrapping indoor and outdoor spaces together. Upstairs, each bedroom enjoys an outlook onto private outdoor green space. In some cases, this is onto a vertical garden, which doubles as a privacy screen from neighbours.

Dining to Kitchen, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Living to Kitchen, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

The craftsmanship of the build is revealed in the material palette, which includes unfinished Kobe board (cement impregnated oriented strand board), burnished concrete, expressed timber and steel columns complemented with industrial steel accents.

The home features predominantly raw, low embodied energy materials throughout with 10,000 litres rainwater storage and a massive 10KW solar system on the roof. CplusC maximised reusable materials from the existing household to provide a sense of connection with the previous residence. The front carpark was retained, and planters and timber from the demolition stage were reused for furniture and planting as a part of an effective cost-saving and sustainable decision.

Exterior, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Exterior Night 3, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

A key requirement of the house was to make it easier for the inhabitants to do the things they love, including entertaining at home and surfing at nearby Bondi Beach. In the six weeks since handover, the family had already hosted a 21st birthday party, a family Christmas gathering and several impromptu barbeques with friends. Secure storage for sports equipment, which are accessible from the entry courtyard, has made it easier to grab a surfboard and head to the beach after work or school.

Green Screens, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Courtyard, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Located in a beachside suburb, the street includes double storey houses and low-rise apartment blocks. The built form is consistent with the immediate neighbours in terms of setback and height, with the green wall and LED strip lights within the planters playing on the scale of the mix of single detached housing and the surrounding apartments. To increase privacy from pedestrian traffic, the entry was partially sunken and screening elements were introduced at the front and side of the property.

Stairs to Kitchen, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Kitchen to Stairs, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Main Bedroom, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Kitchen 1, Image Courtesy © Michael Lassman

Pool to Dining-Person, Image Courtesy © Jem Cresswell

Kitchen to Pool, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Pool-Person, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Main Ensuite, Image Courtesy © Murray Fredericks

Tags: Australia

Categories: Courtyard, Family house, Interiors, Lounge, Residential, space, Swimming Pool

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