Somers Courtyard House located in a semi-rural context, one hour from Melbourne, the house is designed to function independently of mains water, gas, sewerage and electricity. These house was built with backbone concept of a tent-made-solid, a conceptually, structurally, environmentally and economically appropriate response to the brief. With the architectural process revealed a design force in the study of the sun.
The house is timber framed, with a Cedar Board ceiling, as well as radial sawed timber floors and decks. The use of materials adds to the sustainable qualities of the residence, which was designed to be highly energy efficient. The External walls and roof are insulated lightweight structure and finish.
The house was positioned amongst existing trees to minimise felling. The depth (north south) of the plan, height of ceilings, circulation of air, catchment of heat and controlling seasonal direct natural light were refined to optimise the passive solar effectiveness.
Darker external colours integrate the house into the shadows of the surrounding bushland. In contrast the courtyard employs a lighter colour thus accentuating the courtyard as a type of interior.
The result is a house comprised of outdoor spaces that are an extension of living areas, the interplay of which form verandah, portico, catwalk and breezeway. All combine to offer a spectrum of indoor and outdoor experiences. Designer Rowan Opat Architects site.
