Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
Eric Street is a useful residential model; a single house with a broad range of possible occupations, set up for future horizontal subdivision – 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. Outdoor living spaces are distributed and varied – on ground, on upper terraces, inside juliet balconies – all climate responsive, all private from each other. Gaps have equal importance to internal spaces, consciously reminding occupants about being outside/living on the coast, registering sun, wind, climate and communality.
After walking the BibbulmunTrack, 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 during days and evenings. The house occupies the whole first floor – the rooms become small pavilions between outdoor areas. Fresh air blows between the two.
In bed at night, we see the moon; in the morning, we see the ocean. We are immersed in natural environment yet have privacy from neighbours/street.
We treat the whole floor as open space without being concerned about security..