The overarching themes of functionality, efficiency, and sustainability are the foundation of this design. At the same time, ideas of contemporariness and timelessness underpin the design decisions made. Relationships of spaces—both internal and external—have been primarily considered on the aforementioned bases of functionality and efficiency; as a family home, these qualities are especially important.

​

The concept of indoor/outdoor living, which was very important to the client, has been reinforced through the inclusion of a number of decks, including a large outdoor living area and private decks for the master bedroom and adaptable living space for the grandparent. Dense native planting on all boundaries serves the dual purposes of enhancing privacy and of enhancing the indoor/outdoor feel. This is further increased by the inclusion of a breezeway lined with a green wall, and by the use of skylights. The privacy of the decks at the front of the house is facilitated not only through planting, but also through the use of perforated sliding panels. These panels allow natural light and ventilation through, whilst obstructing intrusive views from outside the property.

​

The inclusion and location of the adaptable living is another highly functional aspect of this design, one that is primarily socially—but also economically, in the long run—sustainable. It is positioned at the front of the house, with level access off the street, and has direct access to the main family area. At the same time, if the family's circumstances change in future, it could be easily walled off from the main family area and converted to a rentable space that is easily accessible yet separate from the main house's functions. Similarly, the lower (children's) level could be made completely self-sufficient, with direct level access to the garage, and the entire main level could become rentable space. Space has been provided for the installation of a dumb waiter or residential elevator from the garage to the kitchen, should the need arise at a later date.

​

The layout also considers the need for safety in a residential family home; for instance, the back yard can be easily monitored from the master bedroom and its deck, and also from the kitchen and areas nearby—such as the breezeway and connected deck off the laundry. Potentially hazardous areas are fenced off to prevent access, and the design of the driveway allows for forward entry to and exit from the property, which enhances the safety of the user and bystanders.

​

The housing character of Browning St—a varied mix comprising primarily of the 'Queenslander' vernacular design—is reflected in the single-storey scale of the house at street elevation, as well as in the selection of external finishes; namely, the use of corrugated metal roofing and weatherboard cladding—albeit contemporary in profile and application. Use of perforated sliding corten panels lends a rustic appearance externally, which together with the cladding and corrugated roofing harks back to the simple bush sheds constructed in colonial times.

​

Use of large eaves and dense planting provides a great deal of shading to the building from both Eastern and Western sun, ensuring the house remains cool in Summer, whilst skylights provide additional natural light to the main family area, which is located at the Northern end of the house for optimal passive design opportunities. Use of louvred windows throughout the house—and the incorporation of breezeways—makes the best use of natural breezes to cool the house. Solar power and water tanks have been provided for—along with efficient plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as energy- and water-efficient appliances—to ensure the sustainable use of resources. The building has been designed to require very little cut and fill, thus minimising site impact. Nonetheless, the building maintains a very close connection to the ground level at the front and rear. Suspending the building off the ground not only minimises the site impact, but also allows cooling breezes under the house from all sides.