Wattle Grove

Many site elements influenced the design, some of these elements have bold and strong design implications. Maintaining existing vegetation while also maximizing the views from the main living space + sloping walls that open up the view, provide less reflection on glazing for the endangered Swift Parrot safety + upper level accommodation requirements.

The protection of the Swift Parrot did have an impact on the final design with Architect and Builder working closely with Gary and Glen at Titane Windows & Doors to achieve this, and the outcome not only practically worked as planned but looks fantastic and really adds to the aesthetics of the home.

The clients brief was a “Contemporary Cabin” to provide escape and retreat from their place of residence in NSW. As they take small steps into retirement part of their brief was for the main access and living to be all accommodated in the upper level. The upper level provides a large open space with warmth to accommodate the extended family, the lower level provides more intimate spaces with individual connections to views and decks.

The engineering concept is 3 x structural steel portals with 2 directional cantilevers. These portals are encompassed at the first level and roof level with "ring beams" that tie the structure together allowing multiple cantilevers forming protective elements for the dwelling. A challenge our team were keen to execute to perfection.

A design and build collaboration between builder Skookom and architect Peter Liddington of Liddington Architecture Studio (LAS), the complexity of the build was indeed a challenge which was relished. Skookom, LAS, steel fabricator Amplified Contractors and structural steel draftsperson Steven Godfrey worked together resulting in all steel elements being designed and shop drawn in 3D to mm precision and manufactured off site. All main steel elements were erected by crane within one day, with only 1 bolt hole having to be slightly adjusted on-site. The speed and accuracy of the steel erection for a complex structure was amazing to all, but also a testament to the successful collaboration between all pre and post construction parties.

140mm timber stud frames were erected within the steel portal frames which enabled R4.0 insulation to all external walls. Under and counter batten construction methodology installed over fully wrapped Proclima products allowing the structure to breath and Kommerling DGU PVC-U windows and doors all helps maintain a consistent comfortable climate on both levels with minimal heating/cooling required.

The internal fit out had to be exact especially when you have sloping pitched walls meeting sloping and pitched roofs. Lined mostly in Tas Oak T&G timber on the upper level this required considerable skill and high-level workmanship which also translated to joinery, windows and metalwork which all had to meet the same walls.

Sustainability we believe comes in many forms, buildings in Europe we consider sustainable due to their longevity. Our aim is that this dwelling will be loved by the family and future generations, extending its life far beyond the average Australian dwelling life expectancy. This, we feel, is one true form of sustainability.