Stonehawke
Project
Location
Completion
Stonehawke
This award-winning home is part of an enclave built with a sensitive approach to its surrounds. From natural overland flow and stormwater control to flora and fauna friendly fencing, Stonehawke fits perfectly within the natural environment.
Stonehawke is wedged into the side of a hill and nestled into a large parcel of heavily wooded environmentally protected land. The home is designed as a charred box protruding horizontally like fallen lumber. Solidly grounded into the site, the body of the house wraps itself around an ‘out of ground off-form concrete pool’ that also reflects the charred timber in its internal finish.
The organic, raw materials of the natural surrounds such as sandstone rockwork and various species of native tall trees are reflected in the form and materiality of the home. The cladding and structure features rough sawn stained plywood, galvanised steel and combinations of horizontal and vertical sections mimicking the tree forms. The transition from the exterior of the home to the interior was considered with occupants transferred both visually and physically as the house opens up with counter balanced glazing systems and sliding external glass walls. With an abundance of native timbers surrounding the home it was an easy decision to utilise this warmth internally through the use of Australian spotted gum timber for flooring, joinery and windows and doors.
As an occupant of the house a central entry off the car space leads to the first level entry point (where visitors would be greeted), and voided space that leads either off to the parents retreat or further ascending to the centre of the main body of the house. Although from the street it appears to be a 3 storey house, 90 percent of the program happens on the top level that also happens to be level with natural ground due to the slope of the site. A minimal interruption into the natural lay of the land has created a secluded and protected flat grassed area for the sole purpose of kids play and exploration up the natural stone walls and into the intrigue of the bush setting to the rear.
