Remoteness, having no services such as water or electricity and being in a level 3 bushfire area, were some of the challenges of this beautiful site.

Set in an ideal site in the Hunter Valley north of Sydney, this bush retreat is self sufficient, being equipped with solar panels and wind generation. The project has virtually become a laboratory of ideas, from the wind generator to the LED lighting inside the house.

The client demanded that the approach not be an exercise in reductionism. There is a dishwasher, pool and proper flushing toilets yet the house is comfortable all year without air conditioning.

The house quite simply consists of a main anchor wall following the site contours, canted steel columns and the containers for the living spaces. This is all protected by two separate double-leaf roofs that 'float' over the living areas and the site, offering generous protection from the elements in a simple double-gesture.

After rotation of the huge entry door, the first of the spectacular views opens before you.

The living and sleeping wings of the house are separated by a covered outdoor area compelling you to appreciate the elements in a form of 'sophisticated camping'.

The linearity of the house reinforces the viewpoints and the experience of the site. Practically, it provides a large thermal mass reducing temperature variation internally and provides fire protection from the most threatening fronts. The masonry elements are constructed in economical split face concrete block.

The pool included to provide relief from the extremes of heat in the warmer months, forms part of the view with its wet edge, allowing it to reflect the expansive sky and landscape.

Photos: Brett Boardman

One of several remote projects by our office, this project was designed as a beach house for Melbourne based clients.

Nestled in the tea-tree covered sand dunes of Victoria's remote ship-wreck coast, this house responded to privacy and views using 'outdoor rooms' with partial walls to selectively include desirable aspects and exclude others, such as prevailing winds. It is an example of how form and function can meet to provide an environment that is both private and uplifting to live in.

The house provides numerous different living opportunities both indoor and outdoor for various weather conditions or functions. The structure nurtures by wrapping itself around the best aspects, turning its back on the worst.

We are passionate about the idea of a house inhabiting its location and function. We abhor the standardised and mostly inadequate suburban villa with its extensive lawns and mediocre symbolism. This house responds with a more intimate understanding of its context.

Being sited 50m from water's edge, the context is idyllic. A 360 degree rooftop observation deck affords the owner's opportunity to survey the coastline and township.

The structure employs plantation hardwood cladding and locally available bluestone to provide a link to the local resources.

We corresponded with the builder during construction as required, however due to a high level of documentation, our involvement was low.

Photos: Brett Boardman

The original c1950 fibro structure with its light, airy quality was retained and a contemporary addition of similar size was added, shifting the living focus and subtly re-orienting and expanding the living opportunities.

We added a contemporary Spotted Gum clad addition separated by a bridging element. The upper level of the additions has a stylistic dialogue with the original house, whilst the ground floor wraps itself around a wind-protected and sunny deck.

The upper level bedroom-hideaway achieved expansive views of the ocean.

The construction is reverse brick veneer. It has greater thermal performance than conventional brick veneer or double brick and gives the lightweight structure some valuable thermal mass.

Greater connection with the human spirit came out of intimate proportions combined with generous viewing opportunities whether they be into the garden or over the ocean.

Whilst this project is located some 1000km from our office, we provided generous documentation to ensure that site assistance was minimised. As a result, the client reported no disadvantage.

Photos: John Farnan

An expansive and highly crafted recycled timber form with subtle Japanese influences was added to the house. Timber structural elements are expressed internally adding drama and warmth to the double height living spaces.

We sought to maintain the integrity and best features of the original Californian Bungalow and add a clearly differentiated and contemporary element to the rear. Proportion, scale and form are the languages of stylistic dialogue that the new additions have with the old.

We inserted a narrow and dramatic bridge between the two forms. This bridge celebrates the threshold between old and new and provides opportunities for planting and water tanks.

The external materials included brick, shingle tile and recycled blue-gum cladding finished in a lambswool-derived sealant. Internally, the house blends rustic materials such as recycled hardwood framing and rusty slate tiles with clean-lined white lacquer and American Oak veneer.

The additions accentuate scale internally and focus views and living areas so as to avoid privacy concerns whilst admitting the best of the surrounding environment.

Our brief was to create a simple cost effective addition to give this family a contemporary and spacious aspect to their double fronted Melbournian.

Our response was a traditional form with a twist - uneven pitch and eaves line gives the form a subtle edge. Using similar materials, the new form may appear to be part of the original at first glance only. This all conceals a generous cathedral ceiling internally.

The negative spaces in the landscape created by the additions become deliberate outdoor living zones to pick up sun and garden views.

The shading treatment follows our preference to avoid an additive approach to sun shading. We feel that this lends the structure a greater sense of solidity and form.

This project is one of a handful completed successfully without any project supervision from us due to its remote location.