A prefabricated dwelling grips the mountainside

Mount Ninderry is a home that was created by Sparks Architects to explore ideas of sustainable design and living within a modest budget, sited on the ridge of Mount Ninderry in Queensland, Australia. A lineal plan was designed to run along the contours to ease construction on a steep and challenging site. The entry to the building is essentially a hole in a long wall which slides through the landscape. The house is a simple box which ‘hangs’ off the northern side of this wall. The entry forms a breezeway to the house which funnels breezes down the length of the building. It also allows for a separation of the master bedroom from living spaces and other bedrooms, providing privacy in a small home. A self-contained unit and studio makes use of under-croft space that results from a need to excavate the site for rainwater storage.

The building is constructed of 9 prefabricated modules which sit on steel columns. ‘Solarspan’ roofing panels were incorporated to eliminate the need for secondary and tertiary roof framing. Structural glass portholes to the floors of the living area and bathroom allow access to the rainwater tanks. These can be lit up at night with a small reticulation pump providing delicate movements of light to the ceilings. The precast concrete rainwater tanks provide thermal massing with the walls of the tank being incorporated into the studio, en-suite and cellar spaces to the lower floor. A fourth precast tank is utilized as ‘plunge pool’. An array of photovoltaic panels is positioned on the carport roof to service the buildings energy requirements.

Photos: Roger D’Souza

Magnificent home with sparkling white interiors

Ever dreamed of designing your entire home in white? This entire house has been designed in various hues of white, even the family dog is white! This unique minimalistic home is located in Queensland, Australia. The two-storey property has the perfect balance between contemporary style and classic design elements. Architecturally designed and built to make you feel like you are always on holiday, it is resort style living at its best. Sparkling white interiors and high ceilings are a breath of fresh air while abundant use of glass creates a light and airy floor plan that moves from room to room with ease.

An open plan living room on the upper level effortlessly blends with the dining area for a sweeping space that flows to the gourmet kitchen which features quality appliances. Enjoy a versatile floor plan with great privacy and a second living space on the ground floor including media room and kitchenette. Entertaining will be a delight with covered alfresco dining spaces on the upper and lower levels, all looking out to the sparkling in ground resort style pool. There are four bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms and the stylish master suite has the added bonus of its own private en-suite, two walk in wardrobes and an outdoor balcony.

What do you think, could you live in this all white home? This interesting home is listed for sale from here.

Sunshine Beach Pool House in Queensland

The Pool House at Sunshine Beach has been designed by Bark Design Architects in Queensland, Australia. The residence is focused on creating an ‘oasis of leisure’ sited within the relatively tight confines of four neighboring houses and a duplex surrounding the boundaries of its 5,769 square foot (536 square meters) coastal site. The beach house provides varying places to enjoy family time, relaxation and memorable holidays with secondary spaces located around a central private North facing double height indoor outdoor room with the raised swimming pool at its north eastern edge.

Northern sunlight is reflected off the water and dances on the ceilings and walls of the surrounding spaces, which can also be enjoyed from the intimate scale of the upholstered corner window seat ‘boxes’ in each high level bedroom. Stretched along the house’s long North Eastern edge, a high level ‘green screen’ of timber and stainless steel wire provides the framework for a light filtering coastal vine, and rich patterns of light and shadow.

The character has an uncomplicated and ‘authentic’ beach house feel focused on light, livability and a contemporary aesthetic. Taking visual clues from coastal beach shacks of the mid-century, the economical material palette combines exposed timber framing, Spotted Gum hardwood screens, exposed studs, FC weatherboards, and polished concrete evocative of beach sand.

Visit the website of Bark Design Architects here.

Photos: Christopher Frederick Jones, Claire Plush

Ordinary home opens up into fabulous interiors!

This stunning home appears fairly ordinary from the street, but step inside and you will be pleasantly surprised by its fabulous design and spacious layout! The residence is located in Chapel Hill, Queensland on a long and narrow 5,026 square foot (467 square meters) lot. This contemporary home features three internal living areas, powder room, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry and a north facing alfresco entertainment deck on the lower level. A sparkling deep pool with waterfall and remote controlled spa completes this fantastic outdoor entertaining area. On the upper level, there are four bedrooms on located on the upper level and all with walk in wardrobes, a large study and an additional family living room. The master bedroom offers a view over the rear gardens and has a spacious en-suite and his and her built-in wardrobes. With beautifully appointed interiors and a warm cozy environment, could you see yourself residing in this fabulous home?

This extraordinary property is listed for sale at $1,195,000 from here.

Exquisite contemporary loft design in Queensland

We discovered this unique collaboration between the multi-award winning architecture firm Donovan Hill and the home’s owner, which has produced an extravagant wool store conversion in Teneriffe, Queensland. The residence offers the perfect fusion of contemporary design, historic industrial elements and outdoor space. The apartment is comprised of 1,733 square feet (178 square meters) with plenty of unique features including a 14 meter wall that offers three openings, and an access to the private outdoor area. Boasting rich timber, up-lit oversized potted plant, built-in benches and a Perspex portal framed daybed, this extravagant outdoor area is a completely private retreat.

The sweeping floor plan is a seamless integration of the dining, living and kitchen areas for a light and airy space that defines sophistication. Historic brick walls, 100+ year old polished concrete floors and room-wrapping joinery call back to the days of industry while Perspex portal-framed windows and abundant floor-to-ceiling sheer, gossamer curtains add a touch of contemporary glamour.

The world famous Italian icon brand Poliform kitchen is built for entertaining, designed with both beauty and usability in mind. Boasting three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this wool store offers more than enough space to grow. The opulent master suite is reminiscent of a design hotel with Japan black flooring, lavish solid timber walk-in robe and integrated, fully tiled en-suite with design icon Phillippe Stark fittings.

This spectacular residence is listed for sale here.

Photos: Real24 Photography