Archiblox have designed what they describe as a simple and sustainable modular family home on Victoria's rugged coastline in Inverloch.

Launched late last year, Archiblox is a collaboration between architect and builder to design and construct modular homes marketed as beautiful, sustainable and affordable.

Archiblox, comprising Architect Bill McCorkel and builder David Martin, has completed four projects to date in Victoria’s Inverloch region and now have their eyes set on other coastal areas around Australia.

Brief

Their brief was for Archiblox to design a stylish, two storey home that was eco-friendly, low maintenance and maximised potential sea views to the south whilst minimising the impact of the prevailing cold weather from that direction.

A two storey building was decided on in order to maximise the water views through the windows on the carefully planned upper level.

Project Description

The clients owned a house block adjacent to their home in Inverloch which they decided was a good investment opportunity to build a holiday/permanent home. This was also a strategic decision in order to maintain control over the type of dwelling being constructed in their street.

The clients are happy with the results:

"Archiblox has provided us with an affordable creative design for our new home. It has been constructed with quality workmanship and we are now able to enjoy the features daily," the clients said.

The space within the house consists of three bedrooms, walk in robe, two bathrooms plus powder room, study area, kitchen, two living rooms, dining area, laundry, storeroom, morning deck, upper dining deck, lower outdoor shaded dining and outdoor shower.

The East West orientation of the block maximises the north sun which filters into the living areas while the window positions take advantage of cross flow ventilation.

Electric awning windows are place at the top of the entry/stair well to act as a cooling tower during summer (brings in cool air across polished concrete floor and vents up through entry/stairwell electric operable windows.

Entertainment is catered for through fully integrated wiring for a sound system throughout the home and has television points to all rooms with integrated data points for the internet.

Sustainability

The house has been designed to be as sustainable as possible having achieved over seven stars in its energy rating. Starting from the outdoors, the garden has been fully landscaped and includes drought tolerant plants.

At the entrance to the house, recycled ironbark stepping sleepers have been used which lead to the polished concrete inside which allows air to flow easily through the house in summer.

A solar hot water system has also been included, helping the building to achieve the high energy rating.

Key Info

House Cost: $375,000 + gst

Completion Time: 28 Weeks

Build Details

  • High quality Rylock double glazed windows with argon gas
  • Highly insulated walls and ceilings with tightly no draft seals to all door and windows
  • Window positions to maximize cross flow ventilation
  • Black japan Victorian Ash T&G flooring
  • Floor heating
  • 3.5 hp split air conditioning system
  • Solar HWS
  • Wiring for solar photovoltaic power system (solar power)
  • Stone bench tops
  • 2x north facing cypress vegetable boxes
  • Recycled ironbark entry stepping sleepers
  • 920mm door wheel chair access
  • Insitue lower walk in shower with non trip base
  • Smeg appliances
  • Gas cook top
  • Electric oven
  • Semi integrated dishwasher
  • Eco permeable driveway using poly Bod Pave in filled with 4mm bluestone