SMITHS RD, LAKE RUSSELL

Brief

Clients searched exhaustively for this rural residential block with a north facing slope and sweeping views of the state forest. They were a young growing family with a two year old, another on the way and plans for more. They had very creative ideas, wanted something out of the ordinary while connecting visually and practically with the landscape from all areas and it had to be functional and economical to build. Planning a large family they required a children’s wing with a rumpus/play room, a central core family area, an office to work from while the children were young and a parents retreat for serenity in the evening. Loads of storage and spacious accessible outdoor areas so the children could “run outside and play” were also a must.

Solution

The home now wraps around the northerly aspect and the slope as it nestles into this picturesque rural setting. It’s dramatic roof line, as you look past the terraced frontage, provokes a certain curiosity and engaging privacy as you wonder what architectural delights are concealed within. As you approach the front door the innovative use of glass is immediately apparent as creative planter boxes and the rural outlook beyond unfold even before you step inside. The parents wing acts as a large embracing arm shielding the inhabitants from neighbours and the road. A great sense of openness, fantastic cross ventilation and passive solar benefits, sprawling patios, to be enjoyed all year round, plus much more are all woven into a floor plan which reflect the client’s original requirements.