BACK HOUSE

Blackburne Jackson Design recieved a Regional Award for the Back House project from the Australian Institute of Architecture.

The adjoining property is a quintessential 1960’s beach shack constructed of lightweight cladding on a hardwood timber frame, which has stood the test of time both in aesthetics and durability. This new home was inspired by these qualities and a brief was formed to create a modern version of the original neighbouring beach shack.

The simplicity of the modern shack concept is evident in the modular grid setout of what is essentially a two storey ‘box’. The use of sheet cladding and weatherboard cladding provided the opportunity to create interesting visual expression. This aesthetic is further enhanced through the application of a different block colour to each material.

The use of lightweight materials suits the sub-tropical environment in which the home is located.  The width of heavy weight construction methods would have compromised the overall planning on such a tight site.  Where possible, recycled and reclaimed materials have been used in the construction. Items include numerous windows, hardwood fencing, hardwood landscape elements, brick paving and some hardware and light fittings.

Insulation, light fittings, in-ground water tanks, rain water for all non-potable uses, shading and glazing all in accordance with all regulatory requirements and best practice environmentally sustainable design principles.  The planning of the home optimises usable space and flexible use rooms so as to provide a functional home for a family within a modest floor space area.

The passive solar design, cross flow ventilation and plentiful natural light minimise the requirement for mechanical climate control.  For such a compact plan the spaces within the home feel generous, due to the increased internal height and increased window and door height.

Whilst constructed on a modest budget, money was allocated to items, which would have the greatest positive impact on the quality of living. An example of this is the oversize sliding glass doors, which recess to create an entirely open connection from internal living zones to external areas. These elements were made possible with the timber frame construction.  The integration of the breezeway entry and external sliding gate has essentially replaced the more common formal entry and front door in order to reduce the overall floor plan area.

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