New House $500,001 - $750K (West Coast): John Damant Arcologic Design, North Perth Rear Strata

WINNER

New House $500,001 - $750K (West Coast)

Designer: John Damant, Arcologic Design Location: North Perth Web: arcologic.com.au Builder: Owner Builder Energy Assessor: Ecorate Photographer: Kelly Barker

The Judges said

A small build with light filled areas that make the home feel much bigger than it really is. The design indicates the designer has a clear understanding of the local environment and the priorities to achieve a very liveable home. The design allows the occupant to get the best available light, ventilation, aspect, and quality of space from tight parameters. A skillful use of materials. An exercise in sustainability with a small footprint that gives the feeling of a much larger home.

Project Brief

A tight rear strata subdivision heavily overlooked by two storey homes saw the traditional layout reversed by having all living and outdoor entertaining areas upstairs. This brought the home “into the light” to access views over the treed suburbs towards the spire of the local church which was part of the client’s wishlist. It also flooded the home with winter sunshine which penetrates deep into the interior as well as the lower floors via a void with a bespoke feature staircase. Open plan living is focused around a designer kitchen reflecting the owners love of cooking, while sliding glass doors access a roof terrace/garden complete with edible produce and a frangipani tree.

Sustainability Considerations

Designed as a composite home using both traditional materials (brick and concrete for thermal mass) and lightweight materials (EPS) to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and increase life cycle benefits, this small home is an exemplar of compact living on a small inner city lot. By having the living rooms on the upper floor, the designer was able to capture full use of the winter sun for solar warming and cooling breezes for summer. It also allowed for a productive roof terrace with greenery and edible plants accessible directly from the kitchen area. Solar panels and low - e glazing contribute to a highly sustainable small home which lives larger than its size.

Open plan living is focused around a designer kitchen reflecting the owners love of cooking.