Mapleton Residence
ARCHITECTURE
/
LANDSCAPE
/
INTERIORS
Mapleton Residence
Guymer Bailey Architects was asked to create a family retreat in the idyllic secluded mountain setting of Mapleton for a successful Australian manufacturer. To highlight the spectacular surroundings and native vegetation, we designed the building on the edge of a 60-metre slope overlooking the valley and the suspended swimming pool below.
Three pavilions connected by walkways command panoramic views of the valley and close-ups of the tree canopy that shades the home. Spotted gum has been used throughout the house, providing a textural contrast to the local basalt stone plinth and corrugated sheet steel roof. This choice of natural materials supports the connection between the architecture and pristine environment. Our attention to connections and detailing is also evident throughout, as seen in its structure and the stainless steel cable cross bracing.
In keeping with our commitment to sustainable design, the home has been designed in a way that it won’t disturb the natural landscape, and all new planting is native to disguise any evidence of intrusion. The extensive use of louvred and awning windows and pop-up roof lights assist with natural light and cross ventilation throughout the home, and on-site dams capture stormwater that is used for irrigation and recycled for the swimming pool.
Stage A works included the refurbishment and extension of an existing two-storey classroom block as well as the construction of a new covered walkway through the centre of the school.
PROCESS
Open timber stairs and bridges designed with nautical detailing, allow access to the bedrooms and bathrooms, and the study overlooks the double garage with views of its beautifully planted roof. A water feature in the main entrance draws natural sunlight to the entryway, and a reflective pond in the back garden laps against the boat ramp that links the home to the canal.
METHODOLOGY
With a focus on sustainable design, an angled band of transparent glazing that separates the roof from the house to allow natural sunlight into living spaces, while heat is controlled through the thick limestone brickwork, deeply recessed glass and inverted parasol roof. The home also utilises solar panels and underground concrete water tanks for irrigation and grey water use.
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
The Gubbi Gubbi People
COMPLETION
2003
LOCATION
Mapleton, Queensland
CLIENT
Private
PROJECT CONTACT
PHOTOGRAPHY
GB-A
VALUE OUTCOMES
“GB-A were an absolute pleasure to work with. The team on site and in the office never cut corners and were committed to delivering a very high quality project.”
Jim Spainard, Golburn Enterprise
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology. Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy.
PRINCIPLES OF PASSION
During the design process, our project team not only considers the physical context of the designs but also examines the social and cultural context. Through every design, we look for ways to inspire positive attitudes, behaviours and emotional responses in people to encourage the responsible use of resources, increase cooperation among occupants, and communicate the values of society and cultural diversity.
Designing for a sustainable future is a core part of our organisational philosophy. Drawing on the knowledge from our Greenstar accredited team members and specialist consultants in environmentally sustainable design, we ensure our project teams integrate creativity with scientific rigour, to create designs that are conscientious of the natural environment and local ecology.
We design built environments from a holistic, sustainable perspective: each project reconciles ecological and social impacts within the current economic climate. We holistically evaluate environmental, cultural and financial sustainability in every task we undertake.