RESIDENCE Dudley, NSW 1998 (Minor changes 2007)

Cost 250,000 AUD

Responsible for Design, Working Drawings, Construction Details and supervising construction

Program Private residence using pole platform, light weight timber framing and passive solar principles constructed on a steep site overlooking bushland and the ocean.

The design incorporates a wide masonry wall that acts as a spatial divider between living and sleeping and a device for controlled passive solar principles. In winter, the louvred roof window allows sunlight (radiation) to strike the wall which is then re-emitted at night. In summer, the thermal mass acts as a heat sink absorbing energy and lowering the inside temperature. Good cross ventilation and extensive insulation further enhance the comfort factor. The clients report that the house maintains a stable, comfortable temperature all year round with perhaps only one or two days per year where excessive temperatures affect comfort levels. The house is not airconditioned..

The masonry wall also performs the function of providing stability to the pole frame construction. Without this, excessive movement in the frame can be a problem.

Engineer: Lewis Engineering

Builder: Bruce Keevers, Peter Hayes