Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Designed By: Fairweather Proberts
A House as an Environmental Filter:
The site in which the Tugun house was designed had restrictions since the first day designing took place. Due to a development on the northern side of the site, access via the northen side is restricted. This forced the focal point of the dwelling to the south/south eastern side of the site where the site backs on to the Tugun beach. This allows for great views of the beach from main living and social areas as well as the master bedroom which is located upstairs of the dwelling. The orientation of the house is also ideal for catching the south to south-easterly winds that flow across the site. With the residence having the ability to become almost completely open, this allows the ocean breezes to sweep directly through the house, helping the residents survive the hot Queensland summers. This is a very efficient use of natural resources and along with the thick concrete walls keeping the house cool from direct sunlight, makes the house successful as an environmental filter. A House as a Container of Human Activities:
The sites focal point is directed to the south/south east, where the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast are found just metres away; the architect using this environment to design the residence around. This is achieved by using very open plan style design for main living and social areas which are located on the south-eastern side of the house. Using glass sliding walls/doors which open right up and tuck away into the side walls of the dwelling, the outside beachy environment then almost becomes apart of the internal qualities of the space. The more private spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms are located seperately from the living/social spaces making it very distinguishable between which is which. The bedrooms and bathrooms are protected by thick concrete panels which help make up the external wall from the house, giving the users privacy with smaller views of the ocean environment just outside. Other necessities of a house (such as laundry, bathroom etc.) are located almost completely seperate to the rest of the house on the northern, less appealing side of the site. Through good use of space, site orientation and design elements, this housing design achieves its intention as a container of human activity.A House as a Delightful Experience:
Aesthetically this house is in my opinion very appealing and ‘delightful’. Although the materials used (mostly glass and concrete) are basic, the way in which they are used is quite exceptional. The main experience of the house is beach view which the site possesses. The design of the house enhances the view of the landscape allowing the beach environment to inhabit the house which inturn makes for a very delightful experience.References:
Specifier (2011). Tugun Residence. Accessed March 22, 2011. http://www.specifier.com.au/projects/residential/35501/Tugun-Residence.html
Australian Institute of Architects (2010). Tugun Residence by Fairweather Proberts Architects Pty Ltd. Accessed March 22, 2011. http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=2007040389
