Rural Retreat

This rural retreat sits on the crown of a hill overlooking the Valleys beyond the Kangaroo River and is surrounded by state forest.

The house has been designed as a series of pavilions that interconnect to form a protected entrance courtyard on the southern side and open up to the dramatic views across the surrounding landscape to the north.

The design was influenced by simple agricultural building forms such as wool sheds and hay stores that have a repeated structural frame that is expressed internally and the use of steel and corrugated steel cladding externally.

This building was designed by Utz-Sanby Architects to be subservient to the landscape and semi-industrial in appearance.

The house is designed to be low-maintenance and robust and uses passive environmental controls, such as solar boosted hydronic heating in the floor, cross ventilation assisted by ceiling fans, an abundance of natural light, LED lighting throughout, as well as 150,000 litres of water storage and photo voltaic panels capable of generating 5 kilowatt hours of electricity.

The siting of the house allows each room to capture views and aspect and is linked around the centrally-positioned open-plan living room, with open fire, high ceilings and views across the pool to the valley beyond.

Utz-Sanby Architects’ brief was for a rural retreat to accommodate and entertain large numbers of guests as well as be a comfortable home for two people. Hence it was decided to separate the guest bedrooms from the master bedroom, study and workshop. The house was to be robust and low maintenance and take advantage of the best aspect and views.

The pool was to be located close enough to the house to feel connected but not to interfere with views or privacy.

The bushfire requirements were very stringent and required careful siting of the house to provide adequate asset protection zones, a large static water supply for fire-fighting and non-combustible materials to comply with RFS guidelines.

The site was a green field site, literally with no services connected.

The site is on a hill, surrounded by State forests and with 270 degree views to the north, east and west across the valley towards the highlands.

There was no driveway and several possible positions for the house on the top of the site, several site meetings with Utz-Sanby Architects’ client determined the best position and height for the house – to maximize views.

Any rural site is a special opportunity to produce a building that is in harmony with its surrounds and unimpeded by the constraints that are inevitable with urban sites.

The client worked closely with Utz-Sanby Architects to ensure we delivered a house that was tailor-made for them. There was close collaboration between the client on all aspects of the design, selection of materials and the specification which meant there was great attention to detail and quality from all parties.

The builder, who is local had a great team and also worked collaboratively with all consultants and sub-contractors.

Simple agricultural building forms such as wool sheds and hay stores that have a repeated structural frame that is expressed internally and the use of steel and corrugated steel cladding externally. The building was designed to be subservient to the landscape and semi-industrial in appearance.

Because it can get quite cold in the area, heating was a major consideration. There is hydronic heating within the concrete slab throughout the house via solar tubes with a gas booster. In summer excess heat produced is directed to the spa and pool. High level windows and ceiling fans facilitate cooling during the summer months. All lighting is LED strips which have been recessed into ceilings, joinery and structure.

Key Products Used

Fireplace: Jetmaster
Polished Concrete Floor
Aluminum Windows Black anodized
Colorbond Monument cladding and roofing

Project Details

Project Size – 250 m2
Site Area – 2,000 m2
Completion Date – 2015
Building Levels – 1

Project Team

Architecture

Utz-Sanby Architects

Utz-Sanby Architects has a broad range of experience and is interested in all types of architectural projects, including one-off houses, alterations and additions, heritage listed buildings, commercial premises, corporate fit-outs, multi-residential developments and re-use.

www.utzsanby.com

Structural Engineering

Birzulis Associates

The firm of Birzulis Associates Pty Ltd Consulting Engineers was established in April 1989. With over 100 years of combined engineering experience behind them, the Directors of the company Bruno Fimmano and Michael Grogan, Associate Director Paul Grogan & Consultant Aldis Birzulis, continue to gain substantial commissions, further entrenching their reputations as sound, practical engineers.

www.birzulisassociates.com

Windows and Doors

Aluminium And Glass Constructions

Aluminium and Glass Constructions is a family owned and operated company founded in 1994. From the very beginning Rick and Craig Elliott (they have been working in this industry for 35 years) set a high benchmark for design and manufacturing of products. The hand-picked team of trades people share that ethic and ensure that every project stakeholder – from the architect and engineers to the builder and homeowner – receive outstanding customer service.

www.aluminiumandglassconstructions.com.au

Construction

Impeckable Constructions

Nathan Peck, head of Impeckable Constructions, started his career in the building industry over 20 years ago on the tools as a carpenter. His attention to detail started at the beginning of his career when working on heritage listed projects and was required to match all new work so as to replicate old world charm.

www.impeckableconstructions.com.au

Photography

Marian Riabic

Marian is a Sydney-based architectural and drone photographer.

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