Right around an agricultural paddock humbly stands a dwelling set to re-imagine a life in the fields, where the winds are milder and the days are longer. However, on days when the winds blow harsh, one can simply sit back and mellow down by the balcony overlooking the quaint grassland, and watch everything dramatically unfold from the comforts of home. Lovell Burton Architects have set out to create a dwelling that doubles as a humble retreat for an author seeking a tree change. Springhill House offers a delightful palette to the senses with its minimalist approach to domestic life, yet creating a sense of abundance in other aspects.
The frontage is paneled with tinted glass to establish a bit of privacy whilst standing in an open field. Its exterior support involves a whole of timber panels to create consistency in the open space while doubling as an avenue for good ventilation. Lovell Burton’s Springhill House has also made it as a finalist in the 2018 Houses Awards. in the new house under 200 square metres category.
The interior living space caters to only the essential demands of the daily life, with fixtures kept to a minimum amount and decorations are left to the over-all arrangement. Materials are kept consistent throughout the home, as wood is still the primary material, with steel and glass as accents to provide texture and depth.
Springhill House was built with a mission to provide a thoughtful sanctuary for the author who also needed an ideal thinking space for the daily demands of work. Multiple spaces are provided as work spaces, ensuring each corner is clear from any form of distractions. From the living room down to the study table and out by the porch, this earthy dwelling calls for a moment of reflection, clearing the mind from any nuances and bringing out ideas in their full luster.
Cream-colored corridor opens to the other corners of the home. The kitchen features smart storage that conceals any clutter around the area, leaving the entire corner free from clutter.
While some houses open warmly to visitors, Springhill house is rather introverted that caters more to personal introspection. From the lounge area to the study table and to the kitchen, a certain level of discretion is expected from the pristine environment.
Lastly, after a long day of writing, the outside porch is made available just outside the sliding doors from the living room. With only a chair as a source of outdoor accommodation, one can already take the opportunity to revel in the much needed solitude this humble home provides.
Springhill House by Lovell Burton is nominated in the 2018 Houses Awards for New House under 200 m2.
Photography by Ben Hosking.
