iredale pedersen hook architects complete the floating nannup house

on the way from perth to nannup, australian practice iredale pedersen hook architects has completed the award-winning nannup house as a dynamic response to the wild nature that surrounds it. situated en route from one city to another, the footprint takes on the form of an angular linear arrangement of program. the holiday home is a place of temporary residence which puts importance on the concept of travel by containing within itself a beginning, middle, and end- simply another experience along the road.  located at the threshold between a flood plain and a densely vegetated forest, the home is carefully positioned to minimize the impact on the site. the road leading up to the property follows a trail that needs to be cleared yearly for fire control so as not to affect natural ground. a long steel ramp gradually rises to the lifted house supported by dozens of thin steel columns much like the landscape of exposed trunks. this also ensures a minimal impact on the gently sloping grade and elevates the user above the wild boars and dangerous snakes that reign in the area.

image © peter bennetts (also main image)

a combination of recycled materials and thought-out design makes the structure extremely sustainable. the design team camped out on the site during the building process to understand the conditions that define the location. frames around the windows and overhanging roofs help combat heat gain from direct sunlight while the narrow nature of the design ensures the maximum effects of cross ventilation. the exterior colorbond cladding was chosen for its distinct color and low maintenance requirements. the ample surface area of the rooftop is ideal for hosting solar panels that completely power the home and collecting rainwater to reuse in the house, which is then further recycled to water the outdoor gardens.

image © peter bennetts

fenestration in the structure also plays an important role in the interior/exterior relationship. framed openings cut horizontal views to the surrounding trees while larger panels give a greater panorama of the landscape. they are positioned to allow views from the exterior to the interior, then to exterior again, generating a sense of transparency.

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

hallway
image © peter bennetts

living room and kitchen
image © peter bennetts

image © peter bennetts

1/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

architects: iredale pedersen hook architects
architectural project team: adrian iredale, finn pedersen, martyn hook, drew penhale, caroline di costa, jason lenard, matthew fletcher, tyrone cobcroft
structural engineer: terpkos engineering
builder: brolga developments and construction
photos: peter bennetts
completion date: november 2013