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.
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
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.
