Queensville St House unashamedly challenges the traditional vernacular of its surrounding context. It is bold, confident and proud. Subtle references to the dwellings history are strongly offset against environmental relationships and the needs of a modern family.

Utilizing only as much of the site as necessary, the existing house, modern extension and rear studio space, sit comfortably around green spaces and entertaining zones. The interplay between form and function are cohesive. Negative spaces between built forms, partly dictated by strict heritage requirements, were challenged create openness and light for the garden and interior spaces. 

Nature is encouraged into the design and materiality. A jacaranda tree inspires green tones and texture in the kitchen. Timber surfaces are used throughout the house, internally for the flooring and kitchen bench tops, and externally for the natural and charred Shou Sugi Ban cladding. Each room has a view of garden greenery, with privacy, daylight, and natural ventilation. 

Recognizing an opportunity for city views, the upper level master bedroom window frames this view perfectly. Along with a large, shaded north facing window the master suite is a private, serene sanctuary. 

A very conscious sensitivity to nature and the environment exists in every part of the dwelling and site. Natural, locally sourced materials have been used internally and externally. Trades and suppliers are all local to the area, further reducing the carbon footprint of the project. Natural ventilation permeates every room, with the stair functioning as a vertical stack ‘chimney’ drawing up warm air for passive cooling. Excessive heat gain is mitigated through carefully designed shading elements to north and west facing windows. Insulation is maximised in every possible location. The result is a highly efficient, low running cost home that contributes positively to the lives of the inhabitants.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to know more about this project. 

contactus@studiocreo.com.au