Located in Broulee, a town on the south coast of New South Wales, this new two storey home designed by Ben Walker Architects features an eastwest “bar” that allows all interior living spaces to have northern aspect and sun access. Focusing on an existing Banksia tree which serves as the visual anchor of the project, the living spaces at the ground floor look out on a continuous outdoor courtyard. Let’s take a closer look at the K House!
“The home is constructed of weathering steel exterior cladding at the upper floor and concrete block at the lower level. The concrete block provides shelter from the adjacent public reserve to the south, but opens to the north with stacking glass doors allowing opening of the main living spaces to the outdoors. The weathering steel provides a rich rusted red colour that anchors the building comfortably within the local native landscape.” – Ben Walker Architects
Reflecting the strong character of the exterior steel and concrete walls, the interior steel elements feature hot dip galvanized finish. A simple but robust mix of materials can also be found inside the home which includes concrete floors, cement sheet walls and timber lining to joinery. External sliding timber screens are also used over windows to allow for privacy when required.
“The upper floor level comprises bedrooms and additional living spaces that have access to a continuous balcony. The balcony becomes a “living street” during holiday periods when all bedrooms are occupied by extended members of the owners’ family. Family members can converse and catch up while sitting on the elevated balcony with distant northern views. An internal 2 storey void provides a legibility and organizing element to descale the linear nature of the floor plan.” – Ben Walker Architects
The eastwest “bar” of the house features scenic views and allows for natural lighting to pierce through the living spaces. Timbers are used to create a sense of consistency with the shift of interior palettes that will purposely receive any form of daylight faster, flooding through the interconnecting areas of the house. Most of the external materials spill into the interiors, providing a visual consistency inside and out.
Project: K House
Architect: Ben Walker Architects
Location: Broulee, Australia
Type: New Build
Photography: Ben Guthrie
