A series of three pavilions make up this eco-friendly single story abode that treads lightly on the earth
This comfortable, light-filled home is a slice of urban paradise, with water views and leafy surrounds. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the city. The design celebrates its location, framing views of the Brisbane River. The dwelling stands in place of the original residence on a gently sloping block. While that home was not retained, the existing levels and contours remain. “These were carefully considered and integrated into the new design, ensuring the home responds harmoniously to the natural topography,” says Sarah Waller, principal architect from Sarah Waller Architecture.
Given its location, height restrictions imposed by council had to prevail. The brief was to locate the single-storey house as close as possible to the water, in keeping with these restrictions. The final design positions living and dining spaces in the main pavilion, which stretches across the length of the block to capture the sweeping views across the river.
The interiors are light, bright and welcoming. The three pavilions are joined via a breezeway that artfully embraces the leafy courtyard space and a sparkling swimming pool at the centre. Sarah notes the pavilion concept offers sovereignty as well as connection and inclusion. “Each pavilion functions independently while remaining part of a cohesive design approach,” she says.
The main pavilion cantilevers offa blockwork retaining wall. It’s an impressive sight to behold. “This was supported by raked columns, minimising the impact on the land and allowing the natural slope to flow almost seamlessly beneath the building,” explains Sarah.
“Each pavilion functions independently while remaining part of a cohesive design approach”
Sarah Waller
The family home was intended as a gathering place, a space where kids who had flown the coup could return home when they chose. The other two pavilions are the master pavilion which houses a bedroom and balcony, and a guest pavilion with a private courtyard.
The dwelling is made up of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, open-plan living, kitchen and dining, as well as a media room, powder room and a four-car garage. It’s a visually compelling contemporary home that’s both modern and timeless.
Sarah says carefully curated sightlines draw the landscape into the abode, allowing the natural surroundings to become part of the interior experience. “This blurring of boundaries between inside and out softens the minimal architectural language and anchors the home within its environment,” she notes.
The colour palette is monochrome; the home recedes and becomes part of the landscape and its vernacular. Select materials enhance and define the architectural language. Featured is Vulcan Abodo timber cladding, and a New Savior limestone benchtop from CDK. Sarah says when paired with off -form concrete walls, this establishes a minimal yet tactile atmosphere layered with texture and interest. “Throughout the day, the shifting sunlight creates a dynamic play of shadows, further enriching the experience of the spaces,” she explains.
This project was complex. A collaborative approach between structural and hydraulic engineers and input from the builder, with the architects at the helm, ensured a successful outcome was achieved.
Eco-friendly measures include the cantilevered design and raked columns, and the large overhangs above the outdoor terrace. Cross ventilation was prioritised throughout the layout.
This project is exemplary for a host of reasons. Among them is the way it works with the heritage overlay to create something quite beautiful and unique. The front and back serve to complement and contrast with each other. “The garage reflects the predominantly white Queenslander-style architecture of surrounding homes,” explains Sarah. “The sleek, modern, black and moody aesthetic reveals itself only at the rear as you transition into the main house.”
Article Featured in Grand Designs Magazine 14.5
