Design Brief

The clients, a retired professional couple, wanted a warm modern house that allowed them to watch the snow fall in the alpine location, from the comfort of inside their home.

The clients sought after a triple pavilion design that included a guest wing, living area and personal wing.

A picturesque lake was to be the highlight of the view and needed to be taken in to consideration in the design of the house, in particular the design of an adjustable inside/outside entertainment area.

The client is also interested in tree species conservation, and so allowance needed to be made for very large water tanks that would be used to water any and all future plants.  

Unfortunately, damaged caused by a previous excavator had to be rectified and required designers, Spatial oddity, to look at it as a challenging opportunity and not a disaster.

Finally, the client is allergic to mosquitos and wanted the designers to look into products that would protect against the insects entering the house.

Design Solution

The triple pavilion is positioned to allow the clients to watch the sunrise over the adjacent lake, with the majority of the double glazing located on that side of the house.

It has been designed to allow morning sun penetration and summer shading, with high ceilings in the living room to create a big, open space.

A cosy master bedroom with private ensuite is enclosed in its own pavilion to the north and is separated from the central larger living space via a fully glazed walkway.

A private guest wing is designed in a similar manner with a hidden sliding wall capable of separating it from the rest of the home.

Outside the glazed link-ways frame the spectacular views and allow them to be appreciated from all sides.

The front bbq area opens onto a double openable linkway allowing an enormous indoor/outdoor entertaining area, and triple stacker doors open onto extensive tiled patios.

A large carport at the rear allows simple entry during downpours and prevents snow build-up during deep winter.

Material Consideration

The abode is warmed by a woodheater that is the central focus of the living space. Made in France, the front glass of the heater is capable of sliding up inside the tiled/rendered bespoke monolithical form, transforming into an open fireplace on top of a dark polished concrete plinth.

No expense was spared in the Italian designed kitchen, which features rectilinear glass hanging downlights, overlooked by the “guardian” rangehood.

Designer rugs and luxurious interior decorating have been used throughout the house to comfort the earthy heated tiles.

The master bedroom’s full height walk-in robe is hidden behind an art wall, while the ensuite features a polished slice of sloped granite, cantilevering as the vanity and hidden cisterns behind tiled walls.

A large hidden sliding door is capable of closing off the guest wing of which a one- off designed study space is the feature.

Two 100 000 litres water tanks have been incorporated and are filled from the generous roof.

Mosquito repelling fans were sourced and have been installed to allow the clients to relax in comfort inside their new snug hideaway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consultants & Contractors

Designer - Richard Hall, Spatial oddity

Photographer - Richard Chung

 

This article was written with the assistance of Building Designers Australia.