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| Box House |
This exciting concept incorporates boxes in the building design.
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Situated on the banks of Victoria’s Barwon River estuary in the seaside town of Barwon Heads, this architect-designed house comprises a series of cantilevered “boxes”, which are cleverly situated in order to take in the magnificent water views. Architect Jon Clements’ main focus was to combine the rustic and calming nature of the bush with the casual Australian beach life. The main challenge was the size of the land - 65m long by 10.5m wide. Boat access of 2.5m at the side was needed, which meant the house could not be wider than 8m at any point.
Jon achieved views from the upstairs rooms by adding cantilevered box-like protrusions, each projecting a little further than the one before. The design had to offer privacy, uninterrupted views and a lifestyle detached from city living. It was designed to be flexible, whether being visited as an “overnighter” or a monthly retreat. It was also to be adaptable and comfortable for use by a single occupant or a group of up to eight.
There are four bedrooms in the house separated into two areas. Additionally, there is a study at the rear which is large enough to provide bunk accommodation for future children if necessary. At one end of the deck is an open-air kitchenette with stainless steel benchtop, barbecue, integrated sink and bar fridge. At the other, a huge 14-seat hardwood table, actually built by Jon himself.
The main living, dining and kitchen area opens up to expansive views of the river. To the north of the dining area retractable glass sliding doors provide “overflow” space onto the north deck when entertaining large numbers. Environmental and energy performance considerations were given strong priority in the building design.
The primary material used in the construction was plantation timber - a renewable resource. Pine lining provided a cost effective and environmentally friendly option for the majority of the external and internal cladding, whilst minimising maintenance costs. Recycled Brushbox beams recovered from a demolished factory in Adelaide were machined to provide both the floorboards and timber benchtops.
Cladding is a combination of treated pine lining boards, Zincalume Custom-Orb and Zincalume Mini-Orb. The Custom-Orb and Mini-Orb play a main part in achieving the desired “rural” effect. The Zincalume finish has been contrasted with rough-sawn cypress posts and grey driftwood lining to achieve a successful combination of natural finishes.
Large west facing windows are protected by moveable external shade screens which protect against the afternoon sun. Glass doors at the riverfront pivot so that they can be fixed either to draw in or to deflect the winds, depending on the season. Adjustable awnings above the doors descend to a horizontal position for summer shade, but can fold away to allow maximum sun in winter.
There is electric heating underneath the concrete floor slab which can be turned on accordingly in selected rooms. It can also be remotely switched on or off by telephone interface.
Jon had explored the idea of incorporating a tank somewhere in the design as an extension of the rural theme, until he discovered that the water caught on the roof was too salty. Not one to give up, he turned it into a shower tank by lining it with stainless steel and adding a glass roof above and cedar racks underfoot. The feeling of using this unusual shower has been likened to showering in the rain.
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More Info
The “Box House” was designed by Jon Clements,
Jackson Clements Burrows Architects,
1 Harwood Place,
Melbourne Vic 3000.
Ph: (03) 9654 6227 Fax: (03) 9654 6195.
Email: jacksonclementsburrows@jcba.com.au
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Disclaimer
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