2011 HIA CSR Hunter Housing Awards

Judges Comments: Lake Macquarie Home

This is an incredibly well detailed and constructed project.
Excellence of the highest standard is evident throughout this very impressive modern home from construction techniques and methodology to detailing and finishes.
This difficult steep site on the edge of Lake Macquarie would have proven to be a real challenge for both Architect and Builder.
The final result involved saw cutting through conglomerate rock providing not only a stable foundation but a visual delight as the design included viewing windows from the Rumpus room back to the floodlit rock face.
The building steps down from street level through four levels to arrive at the water’s edge with sandstone landscaped gardens and boatshed.
The design carries a nautical theme throughout with recycled black butt structural timber connected using custom made stainless steel flush finish plates and fittings.
Open timber stairs with stainless steel wire balustrade and caulked timber flooring add to the marine technology adopted.

The building houses two pavilions linked by a central stair and lift.
The level change from street to the lower deck is over 8 metres and then further to the existing boatshed.
Each level and room is well zoned with clear links as level changes occur.
Upper levels open onto operable roofed shaded decks using folding doors and windows from kitchen and living rooms.
Progressing down to the next level which contains sleeping accommodation the bedrooms again open onto decks via folding doors.
One bedroom with an interesting outlook back onto the stone excavation.
Further down the Rumpus room has views both to the lake and back to the sawn cut rock face which would be stunning when floodlit at night.
The Rumpus then opens out onto a BBQ and outside dining area above the existing boathouse.
Landscaped gardens and sandstone retaining walls then connect the site to the lake.

There is little evidence of the complexity of the design from the street.
Only one level is visible with two floating monoplane roofs appearing above street level.
The entry is connected to the footpath via a footbridge providing an exciting entry into the foyer.
The low scale street elevation sits comfortable within the streetscape.
It is flanked on one side by the garages and the other by a strategically located and screened service court housing a drying court, garbage and gas bottle storage, which is not obvious but has direct access to the footpath.
Internal progression through the house is an exciting journey with lake views from each level and dramatic views back into the cut rock face.

Innovative construction and design is obvious through the entire building.
Just to prepare the site would have taken enormous skill with carefully cut stone foundation and crane usage to remove and supply material.
The craftsmanship exhibited to combine timber, stainless steel fixings, steel and gas in a complex design is evidence of highly skilled construction team.
The finish to all aspects of this house is of complex design is evidence of highly skilled construction team.
The finish to all aspects of this house is of a very high standard indeed.
The use of full height plantation shutter sliding panels provided privacy and weather protection.
Operable roofs to upper decks provide maximum flexibility in varying conditions.

Inclusions below demonstrate considerable input to environmental considerations.
5000l rainwater storage for landscaping and laundry use
Gas 6 star instantaneous HWS; gas cooktop
LED lighting and compact fluoro lighting
Natural ventilation throughout assisted by mechanical vent to Kitchen, Bathrooms and Laundry.
Single phase (5.5 star) AC, wood heater, and ceiling fans to bedrooms.
Low water use indigenous planting to landscaped areas.