The Jinibara and the Kabi Kabi People
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
‘Culvert House’ is a cozy retreat nestled within the Sunshine Coast hinterland. This unique house showcases an innovative blend of sustainable design and creative use of materials. Instead of conventional building methods, the base structure is made up of twenty-five repurposed concrete road culverts. The design harnesses the durability and practicality of this industrial material while transforming it into a cozy, functional living and entertaining space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
The home is designed with an open, flowing layout that maximizes light and space while creating an intimate connection to the surrounding lake and tree-filled landscape. The culvert’s durability also ensures resilience against harsh weather conditions, making their use in the house both practical and low maintenance.
We wanted somewhere we could get away to in the country and go off-grid. Somewhere we could relax and live stress-free, away from our busy lives on the coast. Somewhere that was private and secluded, yet accessible for quick weekends and breaks. This design does all that and more. It gave us the things we need; open fireplaces, indoor/outdoor living, entertaining areas and country hospitality with an urban uniqueness. What was most unique about the process was repurposed building products, the culverts as the key design driver, but also timber from our own property to help compliment the design.