Glenn Murcutt

摘要

The house is located in Sydney's Northern Peninsula, Palm Beach. Almost hidden away from the road, the house sits on a steep slope in a native bushland within walking distance to the beach, opening up views towards both the land and sea. The upper level contains the entrance, foyer, main bedroom, bathroom, as well as the common spaces - kitchen, dining room and living room. The main bedroom is adjacent to the entry and orientated both north and to the rock to provide privacy from the street while taking advantage of the natural sunlight. A suspended concrete staircase with alarge tapestry leads guests from the upper level down towards the street level. On the lower levels are three bedrooms, alaundry with a drying deck and two bathrooms set on three levels, having a more private ambiance nestled deep among native trees and bushland plants. Sited in a high fire risk zone, the house has to be designed according to strict regulations, from reinforced concrete foundations, toughened glass windows, steel roof purlins, sheet metal covered roof decking to walls and steelwork coated by dark grey micaceous paint. Despite such challenging conditions, this naturally ventilated house is sensitive to its environment with overhangs and operable windows providing shade and cross ventilation. It relies on solar panels covering the roof to provide its home's electrical needs and a water collection system recycles grey water throughout.