Bellbird Retreat by Steendyk is a shining native occasion of what’s going to be achieved in residential initiatives that put sustainability first. The usual residence in Killarney, Queensland (a small rural metropolis about 180 kilometres south-west of Brisbane) has taken the construction world by storm, worthwhile quite a few awards along with on the 2018 World Construction Info (WAN) Awards. ‘All for a tiny residence and a good funds,’ says architect Brian Steendyk. ‘Merely suppose what we’re capable of do with a broader funds and transient!’
This enterprise began with two forward-thinking consumers attempting to assemble a weekend retreat. Their chosen web site was bushfire inclined and distant, nonetheless with unbelievable views of surrounding open plains.
Brian observed a chance to ‘step up’ on this enterprise, by responding to the ambiance in a big and relevant method. Sources of inspiration had been Philip Johnson’s 1949 Glass Dwelling in Connecticut, and the 1951 Farnsworth Dwelling in Illinois by Mies Van Der Rohe. A enterprise architect on this latter enterprise, Myron Goldsmith, was a teacher of Brian’s when studying in Chicago who impressed his early learnings. ‘Every of these initiatives influenced me, notably concerning the thought of prospect and refuge, which Glenn Murcutt moreover talks about so eloquently,’ Brian says.
Steendyk’s ensuing design takes the kind of a fortress-like setting up that opens to a light-filled inside designed in collaboration with Embassy Dwelling. At solely 67 sq. metres (regarding the measurement of a recent two-bedroom home), the house is compact, however extraordinarily resolved and comfortable. ‘There could also be an ease of transition from inside to out which develops an intimacy with the setting and extends the usable dwelling house,’ says Brian.
Together with passive design concepts employed for year-round comfort, the house choices battery-stored photograph voltaic electrical vitality, a composting rest room, a greywater system, and tanks for rainwater harvesting. Perhaps in all probability essentially the most sustainable attribute of all, however, is the home’s robust supplies palette (brick, concrete, steel roof and glass), designed to withstand ember assaults from bushfires and the check out of time. Brian explains, ‘Sustainability might be outlined in some methods and previous these essential traits. On this occasion of a web site inclined to devastating bushfires, in all probability essentially the most notable sustainable affect this dwelling makes is as a model new model for fire-resistant residence design.’
Thoughts rejects the idea Bellbird Retreat is a ‘simple’ residence given its measurement and web site. If one thing, it is a extraordinarily superior enterprise every in its thought and execution, proving the infinite prospects of sustainable design from every a shopper and architect perspective.
‘I really feel the true delusion is that it is worthwhile to finally compromise, or possibly pay extra, to appreciate sustainable concepts. Neither is acceptable,’ says Brian.
Definitely, it’s a dwelling that performs on all fronts, designed to face proud successfully into the long term.
This story is part of our Sustainable Homes assortment, delivered to you in partnership with Monetary establishment Australia.
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