Pottsville
A spectacular hilltop retreat, this pavilion-style house on a bushfire site is completely off the grid.
Conceptualised as a relaxing retreat for family and friends, the series of pavilions can be opened or closed off depending on the space needed.
By dissolving indoor/outdoor boundaries, the home sits beautifully within the landscape. Terrain wraps around and through the house, maximising views, ventilation and passive environmental design features. Facade treatments, orientation, a Bushfire Attack Rating of BAL29 and a requirement to be off-grid have played a fundamental role in generating the design concept and materiality of the house.
A central circulation axis acts as a passive ventilation stack with solar chimneys along its length maintaining a comfortable internal temperature year round. Rammed earth walls – using earth from the site itself – create a heat/cool sink and a natural fire retardant – an essential feature for this bushfire site. The walls are also a visually stunning centrepiece to the house.
Project details
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Location
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Photography
Design Team
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Key Products
Conceptual resolution
Early conceptual explorations of the Pottsville House established critical relationships that have been retained in the final design. A strong central axis with views to trees beyond, intriguing courtyard entry and a series of interlocking spaces that all connect to the landscape
Siting
Sitting at the top of the site the Pottsville House is incredibly exposed and we wanted to drive a highly passive approach to the design so very early understanding of the conditions were critical to the ultimate outcome for the project
