Kerstin Thompson Architects took inspiration from the surroundings and all that nature has to offer when designing this private residence in Albury, New South Wales.

East Street’s brief sought a home that was modest in size and rural in sensibility. To capture its rural setting, the architects decided on a robust materials palette featuring concrete slabs, bricks, cement sheet and ply for interior linings and joinery. The home boasts an environmentally responsive building envelope, incorporating flyscreens, sliding perforated cement sheet screens, louvres and windows to help adapt to the extremes of Albury’s climate.

“The client had chosen the site many years earlier because of its sweeping views to Mt Huon – the design of the house frames and captures these stunning views,” said Lynn Chew, Kerstin Thompson Architects. “Adjusted to the slope of the land, the house is arranged along two terraces, an upper and lower one, which organise functions and differentiate between a warmer north side and a cooler south side. The stepped floor in combination with the roof angle creates living spaces that are shady in summer, sun-filled in winter and completed by magnificent views south towards Mt Huon.”

Keeping in mind the materials palette, Kerstin Thompson Architects, having worked with leading timber supplier Big River Group previously, knew that timber would complement the aesthetic of the home perfectly.

The use of Armourpanel Blackbutt hardwood sheet lining on doors and walls as well as for joinery timber, injected warmth into the home and further enhanced spaces with the combination of a restrained palette of darkly stained plywood, raked cement-sheet ceilings and matt sheened concrete floors.

“The timber walls and joinery are a feature of the residence; not only do they complement the concrete and cement sheet interior and the grey brickwork on the exterior, they also visually connect with the colours of the surrounding bush environment,” says Chew.

“The natural colourations and depth of colour of the timber, chosen in a large format 3mm thick face veneer panels along with the unique timber characteristics accompany the views and changing landscape. As the dwelling is located within a bushfire prone area the choice of Armourpanel in Blackbutt is a natural fit being a bushfire resistant timber.

“Big River’s veneers are available in various thicknesses for use in floors, walls, furniture and cabinetry enabling a well curated and crafted palette of natural materials to be employed. We have specified Big River’s timbers on many projects and are really satisfied with their services and timber products, and quality and care of customer support in their sales and technical teams. We have used a range of products for education, civic, commercial and residential projects,” adds Chew.

“Kerstin Thompson Architects are a valued customer who really believe in supporting local industries and suppliers, and we were thrilled to be involved in this project,” says Stuart McGonagle, national plywood and speciality manager, Big River Group.

The East Street home has already won several awards including the 2020 AIA National Awards, Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Named Award The Robin Boyd Award and 2020 AIA New South Wales Chapter Awards, Residential Architecture – Houses (New).

Architecture & Design Team

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Big River Group

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