River View House | Studio Heim

River View House, a long linear design, takes advantage of expansive views to the Molonglo River corridor and across to the Arboretum. Unlike its neighbours, who demand attention through excessiveness and scale, the house is quiet and humble through it’s low–line single storey form made from neutral earthy materials.
The form comprises a simple skillion roof which kicks up to the north to take in winter sun to warm the house. Shading devices protect it from the summer sun. Brickwork and textured pre coloured fc cladding have been used as a response to a client request for low maintenance.
River View House is subtle and subdued in an area that has been built up to the boundaries. Its connection to site, thoughtful planning, and practical design following simplistic principles, is a testament to the fact that even in later stages of life, one can still have the great Australian dream.

Bookend Addition | Studio Heim

Bookending the front and rear of an existing mid–century Seidler inspired dwelling are two interventions that respect the original design. At the front, an under–croft area has been infilled to provide storage and a place for creative pursuits. At the rear, a contrasting two storey form holds new living and sleeping spaces.
Overcoming a challenging position on a wedge–shaped block, the new form is like a Tetris piece that hugs the existing dwelling whilst stepping to work with boundary setbacks. As a deliberate contrast to the existing dwelling’s cream brick, the new addition is clad in vertical Shou Sugi Ban, with a base of cream bricks, salvaged from a removed section of the rear façade, blending old and new together.
Bookend Addition is a light touch approach that enhances the dwelling’s liveability with a striking light–filled form that makes the most of its unique position adjacent bushland.