When looking for land in the Adelaide Hills, the last thing you seek is a site with southern aspect, limited solar access and some serious level issues to address.
However Urban Habitats’ clients liked this site and were attracted to the dramatic surrounds.
Urban Habitats knew that with a clever design response, they could come up with a special result.
Urban Habitat’s design of Crafers House called for a mix of materials.
The internal palette of material carries in from the external selection and creates a functional, warm family home that we have enjoyed greatly thus far and look forward to many more years living in this space as the landscaping grows.
You are welcomed with a rich, dark exterior and spaces within that are noticeably lighter and effortless.
Sympathetic consideration of the design elements of this home was critical when working through the documentation for planning approvals.
Most specifically we came up with a design that suited the aspect, solar access and relief of the site.
In order to come up with a home that provided effective build-ability, strong aesthetic value and most importantly, a high level of performance as a family home upon completion, responding to the site correctly was critical.
During design Urban Habitats needed to consider all these parameters.
The orientation of house, and specifically the windows was critical, to bring as much light into areas of the home as possible and to reduce reliance on heating in winter months.
Importing of bulk fill to build up pad levels was minimised by employing alternate flooring structure in the most affected areas.
As there was no mains gas supply, heating of the home was delivered via a high performance heat pump on off-peak power.
Designing a home around maximising solar access and creating a private external space were the critical parameters, with specific focus on thermal performance of the home and an economical response to the relief over the building footprint.
A grouping of three gable-roofed pods joined by a flat roof hallway is the format of the response.
A high calibre of workmanship required to achieve this contemporary modern European farmhouse crafted from timber, glass, metal, and masonry was undertaken by numerous specialist contractors.
The high level of finish to the external elements of this project are regular and preferred contractors of Urban Habitats; considered a valuable extension of their on-site team.
Project Details
Project Size – 282 m2
Site Area – 2,510 m2
Completion Date – 2015
Building Levels – 1
Project Team
Design and Construction
Urban Habitats
Led by Directors Jock Merrigan and Josh Semmler, Urban Habitats is a team that has a passion for architectural design and construction. Over the 20 years, they have worked to design and build homes that grow.
Photography
Jane Cameron
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2021 Urban Habitats. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2021 Jane Cameron. All Rights Reserved.
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