PROJECTS /PINE MOUNTAIN ROAD

Situation
The concept for the house is three linked pavilions articulated by folded roof and wall planes, with masonry blades supporting the skillion roof, standing alone in the landscape. Between blades large sliding glass panels can be opened to stack - and seemingly disappear - behind the blades, blurring the boundary between inside and out and strengthening the connection with the landscape.

The location of the site at the top of Pine Mountain in the Byron hinterland affords the house a 360 degree aspect, with optimum solar orientation. In order for the living pavilion to benefit from both north and south orientation the smaller bedroom pavilions are separated and linked to the extreme ends of the living pavilion. This gives views through the living pavilion from the densely wooded southern boundary to the filtered hinterland views to the north.

Solution
While exploring all structural design options with the client's budget in mind it became clear that a composite timber and steel structure would give the best architectural, engineering and cost outcomes.  Westera Partners worked very closely with Jason and Sarah, from Space Studio, to ensure all structural and architectural connections were detailed carefully to make the building express and conceal the structure where desired.

Results
The completed home, constructed by Andrew Priestley, is an absolute masterpiece that all that were involved in the project are very proud of.  The execution of the refined structural detailing has highlighted the benefits of planning and exploring ideas between the engineer and architect well before the house commenced construction.