bencluna

This project involves the alteration and addition to a heritage-listed homestead situated in the Byron Hinterland. The aim of the project is to enhance the indoor and outdoor living spaces, providing the occupants with a space to do the things they love most. The homestead is an original 1893 structure set on 6 acres of lush gardens that include a regeneration of subtropical rainforest.

The project's design includes verandas and screens that allow different spaces to be used internally and externally throughout the seasons. The house's climate-responsive design is based on the international Passivhaus standard. During the wet season, the predominant high humidity requires the house to be sealed up at night. In summer, spaces provide shelter allowing breezes to go through the house and under cover outdoor spaces.

The project will utilize prefabricated construction using Cross laminated timber panels, which are sustainable and eco-friendly. The design incorporates skylights to capture light as needed and suitable for the inside spaces. Additionally, the project will include a resilient infrastructure, including solar PV and battery.

To acknowledge the original house's historical value, the project's design will separate the new additions from the old structure while maintaining a connection between them. Consideration will be given to the movement between the two structures, and the fluid landscape will reflect this connection as well.

The limited material and color palette of timber, terracotta, and corrugated metal will complement the existing structure and landscape, resulting in a beautiful and functional space that meets the occupants' needs.