Aireys Inlet
Aireys Inlet VIC 3231
Australia
Overview
The design plays on the sensibilities of the Australian beach house, as the modest timber dwelling is set down slightly from the street. Therefore the house is not overtly emphasised, allowing the natural landscape to retain its presence in the urban context.
The central courtyard acts as the orienting device as well as an arrival point enclosed with core-ten gates that can be opened or closed depending on the environmental conditions.
The building is separated into two wings, one comprising the social areas, and the other a more private wing. Both of the wings open onto the central courtyard and one must pass through the courtyard space to move between the spaces.
Recycled Australian Blackbutt timber has been used for the exposed structure of the project and Australian White Mahogany for the cladding. The use of timber has been articulated throughout with careful consideration of the assembly and connections between other material elements. Hoop pine plywood with hardwood battens encase the interior of the two pavilions.
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Structure
The recycled Blackbutt timber is the core structural element. It provides for the ‘framing’ of all the spaces and places within this dwelling. The recycled timber elements define a clear rhythm that delineates all the other material elements. The living pavilion roof structure lifts to the east to allow the morning sun to enter and warm the thermal mass of the concrete slab. The living wing is an open, light filled space while the sleeping areas are more enclosed.
Exterior
White mahogany timber cladding is used externally and was selected due to its character – not un-similar to Blackbutt, which is used as the primary timber element. It provides for a very high performance timber overall, especially in a fire prone, harsh coastal environment. Recycled Blackbutt timber windows are used throughout. All fixed glazing has been site-glazed into timber columns. Core-ten lourves and fins have been used on all north, south and west windows for privacy and to allow winter sun to penetrate into the rooms but block summer sun.
Cladding: 'White Mahogany' Hardwood shiplap eased edge boards with visible nails.
Interior
Hoop pine plywood is shown extensively in this dwelling, it is expressed with a Blackbutt hardwood timber batten to encase the internal spaces. It serves to enhance the informal no-fuss material palette. The light tones and textural qualities of the Hoop Pine Plywood add a subtlety that compliments the use of Recycled Blackbutt timber, along with the burnished concrete floors and cement sheet ceilings. The finesse of the timber detailing and craftmanship of the timber collectively showcase timbers attributes in a modest but measured manner.
Plywood: Wall and Ceiling Paneling to the Living pavilion and wall paneling to the private pavilion. Plywood has also been used for all joinery elements throughout.
