Toowong Residence
ARCHITECTURE
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LANDSCAPE
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INTERIORS
Toowong Residence
Located only 10kms away from the Brisbane CBD and surrounded by bushland that will never be built out, Guymer Bailey Architects was asked to create a dual purpose property featuring an art studio on the upper level, and studio living on the lower level.
Inspired by the surrounding views, the design captured natural breezes with living areas and a large elevated deck opening up to the north. Built on a tight budget, we utilised zincalume customorb and miniorb cladding to reference the surrounding bushland and provide a cost effective, low maintenance solution.
Energy efficient features include a sun control double glazed window system, a fully insulated building envelope, solar hot water and solar power.
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 Yuggera People
COMPLETION
2014
LOCATION
Toowong, 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.