Kangaroo Valley House

Approach along meandering driveway.

Project details

• Project Name: Kangaroo Valley House
• Location of Site: Kangaroo Valley, Australia
• Design Team: Nicholas Turner, Dan Szwaj, Andrew Buchanan, Grant Cole, Rob Page
• Project Type: Private dwelling
• Client: Private
• Site Area: 400000 sqm
• Built-up Area: 400 sqm
• Date of completion: 2006

Concrete and copper containers.

Words from the architect

The client required a retreat away from the city for entertaining and relaxation.

Cantilevered amongst the trees.

The geometry of the house is simply orthogonal, forming quietly arranged spaces within a dramatic natural landscape. The house is made up of a family of containers, roofed and open to the sky.

Northern terrace.

Concrete, copper and timber have been assigned to the key three elements of the house. Concrete is used as a robust material where connections to the ground are made and compatible with the massive organic rock shelf formations adjacent. Copper is used as a crafted, soft and patinaed surface hovering above the ground, the colour of which makes a connection with the eucalypt leaves on the ground and the hues of the tall Bloodwood's that dominate the site. Timber is used on the external living surfaces as a rich but domestic contrast to the cladding and structural materials.

Southern courtyard.

The simplicity of the spatial configurations and overall form belie the ability of the building to offer different living patterns that respond to seasonal and diurnal changes. Outside the winter months, the terrace, living volume and southern external courtyard represent an extended flexible living space.

View from terrace.

Master bedroom and ensuite.

Living room.

Living with nature.

Study.

Credits

• Text: Turner + Associates Architects
• Photographs: Brett Boardman / Shannon McGrath