coy yiontis architects design humble house for traveling couple

located in a suburban neighborhood in victoria, australia, local studio coy yiontis architects completed the design for the humble house, designed for an older couple who travel often. the humble home functions in direct relation to its inhabitants and to the site, responding to current and future needs. the floor plan consists of one floor, anticipating the difficulty stairs can pose further along down the road, which also posed a challenge in keeping its privacy from the towering two-story structures that flank the slender property. 

the entry and patio to the north open onto the garden, enjoying plenty of natural light
image © tatjana plitt (also first image)

tall wooden structures form a visual barrier and retain a scale more prevalent on the street. the living space, the largest open-plan area of the home, connects to each other room and contains retractable glass doors to the north and south to open entirely to the exterior. bedrooms in turn orient towards the east to get the morning sunshine. the home is built for low maintenance, with hardy spottedgum wood locally and sustainably harvested, and sealed with a natural oil, the facades introduce a toned and textured aesthetic to the neighborhood.

the exterior is defined by volumes clad in local timber
image © tatjana plitt

When the owners are away, the home is easily closed off. its 6-star energy rating means it can almost regulate itself while the owners may be away on extended trips and uses virtually no energy to function when the house is full. the floor plan’s layout makes it comfortable for two people but is also capable of hosting visitors without feeling crowded. over time, the home will prove itself tailor-made to the clients’ needs- it can maintain itself for long periods of time and can also harness a more intimate relationship to the owners in their later years.

image © tatjana plitt

view from the street
image © tatjana plitt

to the south, a vegetable garden faces the guest bedrooms
image © tatjana plitt

the entry patio provides light to the surrounding rooms
image © tatjana plitt

the living room is open to the north and south through retractable glass doors
image © tatjana plitt

master suite
image © tatjana plitt

view of the southern side of the living room- a large yard provides space for various activities
image © tatjana plitt

image © tatjana plitt

image © tatjana plitt

clerestories in the kitchen assure natural light throughout the day
image © tatjana plitt

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project info:

date of completion: february 2015
design time: 6 months
construction time: 9 months
project type: residential single dwelling
size (m2): 205m2 ex decking & garage, 249 m2 including garage
cost: $700k
location: barwon heads, vic
design/project architects: coy yiontis architects: george yiontis/ rosa coy/ elodie lim
builder: j&s trickey builders
structural engineer: greer consulting engineers
landscape architect: bellarine landscaapes

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