Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
Eric Street is a useful small scale multi-residential model, able to be considered as a single house with a broad range of possible occupations, two separate houses, or an adaptable hybrid which allows for long term flexibility. Its design embraces the idea of the ebb and flow of life – accommodating multiple mutable lives, comings and goings, changes in circumstances and the varying spatial requirements related to each. On a highly visible site in an iconic coastal location, the project both responds and contributes to its setting, carefully negotiating the eclectic historical patina of the location, topography and orientation. Each house has a different disposition: one grounded, one in the air. Gaps are treated with equal importance to internal spaces, consciously reminding occupants about being outside and living on the coast, registering sun, wind, climate and communality.
After walking the Bibbulmun Track, we dreamt of a house where outdoor space was fully integrated with everyday life. Eric Street is just that.
We spend much of our time outside. All seasons, doors are left open. There is a great sense of light/space, with each room having large doors, high windows and high ceilings. These are open to the sky, the ocean, the bush and the garden. In bed at night, we see the moon; in the morning we see the ocean.Â
We are immersed in natural environment yet have privacy from neighbours/street despite living in a built-up area.