Ngunnawal & Ngambri
ACT
The project comprised the design of a new single storey house in the northern Canberra suburb of Turner. The building forms a U-shaped plan with an internalised large central court. This layout provides the desired privacy from the public realm but allows for open and generous views from living spaces into the central court.
A series of indented solar courts provide light and refuge between the wings subtly demarcating the transition between zones and providing foreground views to landscape. Saw tooth roof elements contain highlight windows that provide northern sun to rooms that may otherwise be landlocked and generous interior volumes.
The 8-star house includes highly insulated triple layered walls. Ceilings and burnished concrete slab are heavily insulated, with both internal and external membranes providing excellent air tightness. Windows integrate high performance triple glazing and a PV system provides a substantial portion of household energy use.
The robust and efficient design fits with our values and opens conversations with our children and friends about sustainability. The indoor air quality has reduced our allergy symptoms improving our wellbeing. We take joy in the material selection, which calls up memories of place and the history of the site. We find peace in the quiet, and views through the house and into the courtyards which feel like they’re reaching in. The articulated and flexible design allows us to be together or apart, connect to the street or withdraw, and adapt how we use the space according to our needs.
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.
