Looking for a retreat in the Sutherland Shire, the clients for Gabion House found the perfect site nestled up against the heavily wooded Thompson Bay Reserve. Here, the young family of six could stay connected to nearby family and work, with uninterrupted views into nature and out to the Woronora River.
But the property is not without challenges. Its classification as a Flame Zone, meant the home’s planning and construction needed to be thoughtfully crafted to mitigate risks and ensure protection. This meant that a careful and creative approach was needed in order to include windows for views out to the forest and an existing secret garden of well-established exotic plants.
Instead of merely accommodating the protective requirements, the design of the house uses this requirement as an opportunity for both aesthetic expression and to achieve another performative goal for sun shading. With a long, thick masonry wall along the forested edge of the site, the house is safe from fires and the blazing heat of the western sun. Strategically placed picture windows punch through the wall, providing views and natural light, while concealed fire-shutters will descend automatically to guard the glass. Additionally, the shutters can be closed with the press of a button for when blackout sun shading is desired.
Sheltered behind its protective shell, the plan of the house is divided into two zones: one area for the bedrooms and study, and the other for the living spaces. Upon entry, a white wall of joinery leads you through the house and separates the contained quiet spaces for work and rest, from the open social spaces where the clients can entertain their large gatherings of friends and family.
Custom elements such as a double-sided steel fireplace and embedded timber joinery help accentuate and provide a subtle delineation between the living room and kitchen and dining area. The rich, yet simple, interior design provides ample opportunity for the client to add plenty of personal touches to make the house their own.
