Western Australia
Sustainability must be the absolute priority of architecture. But technical sustainability is not enough. The world’s highest uptake of rooftop solar in Western Australia hasn’t slowed the destruction of the banksia woodland, nor will mandated 7-star energy ratings do anything for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo. CO2 reduction is essential, but immediate and more achievable conservation is forgotten due to the malaise of a population that has been disconnected from place.
Celilo Springs is a single-family home built on a subdivided site in inner Perth. It is an architecture in pursuit of complete immersion in its local context. With the objective of re-engaging the occupants with place. A small house, settled amongst a garden planted with only Western Australian species. filled with bird song and frog calls. hand-built by the owner and their family, using local materials; with stories and memories woven through the building fabric.
A house for Western Australia.
After moving into Celilo Springs, I spend my weekend nights in as opposed to going out. I spend more of my free time outside than inside. My husband and I eat dinner at the dining table with the tv off, and spend more time together after we get home from work. I greet the early daylight hours with more enthusiasm, and I allow myself the time to stop and take in beautiful moments around me like birds chasing each other or the sunlight casting shadows on the ceiling. For the first time in my life, home is my favourite place.
Clair Greenhill, Interior Landscape Consultant
CORSA Lighting, Lighting Consultant
Ecorate WA, ESD Consultant
Erica Boyne, Historian
Forth Consulting, Structural Engineer
Froster Engineering, Services Consultant
Peritas Group, Civil Consultant
Pierre Quesnel, Landscape Consultant
Steellane, Steel Fabricator / designer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
