Award-winning design in the hinterland

 

A new build on a 12 hectare (30 acre) hilly site overlooking a beautiful valley in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The retired clients wanted to make the most of the views over the valley, and have a solar-passive, energy efficient home using simple but elegant materials.

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The house looks out across the valley, with a stunning view of the opposite ranges. A large deck flows from the loungeroom to the pool.

The house responds to the clients' request for wall space to display art collected on their world travels.

Rainwater harvest and storage are a feature of the property, with two large tanks hidden under the house courtyard, and an additional feature tank collecting water from the carport for use on the garden. Solar hot water reduces energy demands and provisions have been made for future solar energy generation and storage with the carport roof deliberately oriented for pv cells to lay flat and unseen.

Landscaping at the welcoming entryway softens and cools the area next to the pool.

The master ensuite allows for easy wheelchair access, as does the rest of the house, in a clever future-proofed design. The retired clients intend to stay in the house for some years.

The kitchen is housed in a 'pod' in that centrally anchors the "public" spaces of the home; providing some separation while allowing light and air to flow through from all sides.

A two-part custom screen made from Japanese kimono obi adds colour to the dining area as well as hiding the built-in study area. The screen can be pulled fully across, allowing the space behind it to become a third bedroom for guests when the cleverly hidden fold down wall bed is used.

A utility area, which will become a herb garden and laundry drying area, is screened by metal purlins.

The other side of the kitchen pod provides spaces for storage and display to showcase the wonderful furniture and art collection.

Simple, streamlined kitchen with full walk-in pantry housing a large chest freezer, appliance bench with coffee making zone, and plenty of wine storage.

The second part of the custom screen pulls around to create a guest bedroom. Clever use of joinery provides a daybed and storage nook on the opposite side of the hallway. Louvres and glass doors let in light and air.

The second part of the custom screen pulls around to create a guest bedroom. Clever use of joinery provides a daybed and storage nook on the opposite side of the hallway. Louvres and glass doors let in light and air.

The house sits within the landscape and is fully bushfire compliant.

Wooden decking wraps around all four sides of the house, with large doors bringing the outside in.

Native plants massed below the house will provide greenery in time.

The private ensuite opens onto a space which will become a screened courtyard garden.