Teixiera House

PROJECT STATEMENT: The design of this house at Bondi Beach centres on maximising space within strict height and bulk controls while taking advantage of available views, light and breezes. Arising from these controls, architectural imagery is developed referring to the cultural history of Bondi and to the sand and sea. A sweeping copper roof evokes various images ranging from surf boat hulls to breaching humpback whales. Stone, plywood and intricately formed concrete give spaces character. These materials are complemented by compelling opposites, such as soft sheer curtains with alternating with planes of solidity and transparency. The house attempts to lyrically connect to its beachside site. DESIGN KEY POINTS: Living areas to capture views of the city skyline, harbor bridge and Watsons Bay, located on top floor Open and expansive Living areas Seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas Connection of external living areas with internal Creation of multiple external entertaining areas Kitchen to be the central hub Accommodate sufficient bedrooms for the clients expanding family Cross ventilation to main living areas, liberal use of glass louvres to facades Full height floor to ceiling glazing on north and western facades, capturing the view External fully retractable louvres concealed in concrete structure RELATIONSHIP OF BUILT FORM TO CONTEXT: Building a new house for a client with elaborate requirements in a quite small scale suburban street was always going to be a challenge. The site with it's generous 20 metro wide street frontage is on the high side of Cambridge Avenue is flanked by original single storey residences. To meet the clients brief a 4 storey residence was required, which included underground basement and a sunken rumpus room level, which presented the residence as a 3 storey house when viewed from the street. The new residence which replaces a 2 storey house with pitched roof is designed to fit within the existing envelope to ensure minimal view loss for the neighbor on the east. A series of stepped landscaped planter boxes along the street rise to match the gradient of the street. PLANNING (PROGRAM RESOLUTION): A conscious decision was made from the outset to locate the primary living areas on the top floor to take full advantage of 180degree views of the city and Watsons Bay. The strategic insertion of a joinery hub is the only dividing element in an otherwise open plan arrangement. The house is connected by a light filled stair shaft with entry to the house via a double height foyer located on the bedroom level. Kids bedrooms flow out to the rear yard whilst the master bedroom has a access to a covered balcony. The rumpus room on the same level as the guest bedroom and laundry is linked to an external terrace which is adjacent to the lap pool. The external terraces are on differing levels to create spatial separation whilst the upper level with it's raised lawn is a by product of creating headroom for the driveway below. SUSTAINABILITY: The house is almost fully glazed on the north and western facades, supported by a couple of slender steel columns. With exposure to the north and west and the ability to open up completely to the outside, the house is naturally ventilated with no need for air conditioning. The glazing is Low E and is protected by generous cantilevered overhangs and external retractable louvres integrated into the concrete slab and concealed behind the structural steel beams. Rainwater is harvested and reused to water the gardens, swimming pool and service the wcs. Adjustable glass louvres are used in bedrooms and living areas to promote cross ventilation. RESPONSE TO CLIENT AND USER NEEDS: We were fortunate to have clients who gave us the freedom to prepare their brief based on a one off meeting to discuss their requirements. Likewise we shared a passion for contemporary design and modernist aesthetic. The clients main requirements was that of generous living spaces to accommodate his young and growing family. A seamless transition between internal and external spaces meant that living areas flowed to outdoor balconies and covered terraces. They also requested multiple external entertaining areas resulting in separate terrace levels, pool terraces and a generous rear yard setting. INTEGRATION OF ALLIED DISCIPLINES: The builder whom we had worked with on a number of occasions together with a passionate foreman and a team of skilled sub contractors ensured the projects ultimate success. A collaborative environment between architect and builder and subcontractor was established upon commencement on site. From selecting the sandstone from the local quarry with the stone mason, choosing the right colour for the polished concrete floor to working with an overseas joiner meant intricate planning and clear open communication between all working parties.