New South Wales
Dachshund House represented a paradigm shift for our clients as they sought to establish a sustainable, cost efficient, adaptable and joyful family home within a sea of brick and tile semirural suburbia just outside of Tamworth, northwestern NSW.
A deep discussion about what makes a house sustainable (and an early neighbouring precedent otherwise) has generated a locally unique suburban courtyard form that reflects our client’s values and provides a seasonally adaptive cradle for their growing family.
The programme of the house twists around a Coral Bark Maple (Acer Palmatum Sango kaku) and fountained pond providing a private, cool, shaded focal point within the semiarid suburban landscape. Every habitable space is oriented to north with generous eaves to manage light and heat.
A muted material palette of greys, browns and greens evokes remnant eucalyptus forests and the burgeoning native garden surrounding the home and repairing the degraded ecology of the site.
The design benefits the way we live as while we are inside, we still have a connection to the outdoors through our stunning views, the beautiful colour palette, use of raw materials and natural light. The sight and feel of the warm sunshine coming through the large glass doors in the living space, the sound of water moving in the courtyard pond and the relaxing feel of the house has enhanced our wellbeing as a family. Additionally, we are able to live more sustainably by significantly lowering our energy consumption and rewilding our land through the use of native plants.
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.
