By Dane Richardson
Designed by Australian architect Dane Richardson, this architectural design of House 14 with its large open plan on its main living room that form the central core of the building is located in Eagle Bay, Western Australia.
The House 14 space was divided into areas with clear functions. The north facing terrace with its built in “fire box” is the focus of all outside entertaining. The open “fire box” provides a fantastic place to sit and star gaze in the evening.
The planning divides the building into three wings. Children’s bedrooms, guest room, bathroom and games/tv room to the western side. The master bedroom and study to the eastern side and the main living volume & court yard central to these wings.
Cantilevers and exposed structural elements feature and further add to the strong lines of the building. Upper levels provide shelter for lower levels. The entry is screened with high stone walls and a planted court yard; this rustic relaxed threshold must be crossed prior to entering the sharper aesthetic of the building. Stone work is featured in other areas and on the main terrace. The owners shipped a set of old Indian temple doors to the project which were integrated into the stone walls of the entry court, this rustic touch ties in with the coarseness of the stone.
The combination of timber and stone is used to soften and relax the harder geometry of the building. The 4.5m high glazed walls of the main living room open the space to valley views. Sun penetration and heat loss is controlled via electronic window blinds and low emission glass.
The home engages a range low energy use systems and passive solar design principles. It is equipped with a home automation system, collects all potable water, re-uses grey water, utilises low energy & low water use fittings.
