Whadjuk People of the Nyoongar Nation
Western Australia
This self-sufficient rural house makes the most of its secluded and elevated location, providing a peaceful and relaxing setting for its owners – including a FIFO worker – to unwind and recharge.
The highly considered design provides connections to the garden from every room, and the plan is divided into two wings to capture views across rolling hills, the Swan Valley, Perth CBD and coastal plain.
Together, these qualities create an ideal space in which to unwind quickly, and take full advantage of home time.
By nestling the house into the brow of a hill among mature trees – and using earthy and rural vernacular materials – such as rammed earth and galvanized steel cladding respectively – the visual impact of this new building is minimised, so that it sits comfortably in the landscape.
The design combines elements of permeability and groundedness, giving the impression that it has always been there, and will endure.
Rapid Close House is the elegant outcome of a thoughtfully sited home in the Perth hills, demonstrating low impact on the site and low energy use residential architecture.
The home was designed by the architect with a limited material palette in mind, and adapted to allow owner-builder construction.
Sustainable outcomes were driven by the client, resulting in a low operational energy home which embraces the natural site contours, and celebrates the surrounding native habitat and views.
As a FIFO worker when I get home, I want to have a space that allows me to unwind quickly so I can take full advantage of my home time, this house does this beautifully. The connection to the garden from every room and position of the house that takes full advantage of the views allows me to easily unwind and recharge. It is a peaceful and relaxing space that sits comfortably in the landscape which was a priority for us.
Philip Stejskal, Design Architect
Louise Allen, Project Architect
Andreotta Cardenosa Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
Ecoform, ESD Consultant
Schwanke Consulting, Building Surveyor
ACSIS, Mechanical Consultant
West Coast Estimating, Cost Consultant
Ecoform, BAL Consultant