House 12 Swanbourne

The design solution for this house in Swanbourne was to utilise the entire site as a series of indoor and outdoor spaces organised around a large central courtyard with swimming pool, providing privacy to both the owners and to neighbours.

The courtyard provides an “internal view” and focus to the house. Smaller courtyards off the secondary bedrooms provide intimate outdoor spaces and aid cross ventilation and daylighting.

A large garage and workshop have been “built into the hill” rather than underground.

All spaces are only one room (or one room and a corridor) wide allowing good cross ventilation and daylight to the entire house. All rooms have light and ventilation from more than one side.

The main living spaces and main bedroom face north with large windows to allow deep winter sun penetration while eave overhangs limit the summer sun.

As an integral part of the planning strategy, the house has been organised into distinctive zones. The main open plan kitchen, dining, living room integrates seamlessly with an outdoor room with operable roof. This combined open plan living space faces the street and large sliding doors slide open to turn the living room into a verandah.

The main bedroom, dressing room and ensuite are located on the upper level, while children’s bedrooms are located on the ground level with their own private courtyard.

A simple and restrained palette of materials and finishes, the integration of internal and external spaces and considered detailing has resulted in a tranquil and calm house.

Photography by Andrew Pritchard