Sited on a 360 SQM block with three street-frontages, Bangalow Road House fulfils the programmatic requirements within the confines of its tight constraints. Employing various screening elements, the geometric forms blur and soften, allowing sunlight to filter in while providing varying glimpses of the landscape and street, creating a home that is connected to its environment while maintaining a sense of seclusion within.
A simplified palette of locally and sustainably sourced raw materials aids in minimising carbon miles while anchoring the home and imbuing it with a sense of place. A local native hardwood encases the structure and descends into the interior. Externally, the timber gradually develops a distinctive silver-grey patina, while internally, it retains its warm hue. This transition between indoor and outdoor spaces creates a dynamic experience within the dwelling, forming a visual narrative of sorts—a tactile dance that resonates with the senses.
A central courtyard defined by three surrounding rectangular volumes serves as a pivotal element in enabling the home to flow between states of openness and privacy- an important feature when confronted with the proximity of a busy street. The balancing of this delicate equilibrium enriches the overall living experience, catering to the diverse needs and desires of the inhabitants. When open to the courtyard, the home fosters a social atmosphere and dialogue between interior and exterior environments. When seclusion and privacy are sought, solid openings provide the means to close off the space, ensuring the occupants are shielded from street view.
Year: 2023
Location: Byron Bay
Country: Arakwal
Built: Morada Build
Structural engineering: Philip Wallace Consulting Engineers
Landscape architecture: Cooke Landscape Architecture
Photographer: Rory Gardiner