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Situated on a northeast facing slope adjacent a major arterial road, the Southern Outlet
House is a site specific study of the contribution a private residence may make to the public domain and the role of architecture more broadly in a small regional centre.
The core requirements of a climatically responsive and welcoming family home underpin the project. The building is sited and planned to maximize the attributes of the location and work within the constraints of a steep slope and restrictive budget.
Adopting a strategy from early 20th Century naval camouflage, the dazzle technique is employed, not in order to conceal the mass of building, but rather to manipulate its public face, adjust its scale, and suggest another dimension to the otherwise flat facade. The building acknowledges people passing by in vehicles at speed, as well as those living on the hill opposite who view back to the static object. The impact of heavy vehicle traffic and large rectangular loads are transformed and referenced in the formal strategy, and ultimately most literally in the addition of truck lights to define the roof edge. The public face is perhaps changed in its form and nature and becomes just another highway directional sign, vehicle, billboard or piece of public art.
Contrastingly, the textural warmth and generous volume of the timber interior with its connection to the terrace and garden provides the setting for family life.
Ultimately the scheme is the inevitable consequence of a situation where the owner, architect and builder are the same person.
Broadly, three key themes underpin the entire decision making process during design and construction.
i. The opportunities and consequences of a situation where the owner, architect and builder are the same person.
ii. The opportunities and constraints of a limited budget while remaining true to the core brief requirement of making a comfortable and welcoming family home which is closely connected to outside and the garden.
iii. The specific site opportunities and contribution a private residence may make to the public domain.
The steep site is mediated by defining a finished floor level and single storey roof level as close as practicable to the natural ground to ensure vehicular access. The entire building then stretches out across the slope with the continuous roof line eventually becoming 2 storeys high. The building volumes step down the slope below the roof line. This strategy ensures a single building section and roof / gutter detail linked to managing budget and buildability. The built form grows large in its context from some viewpoints, yet is also diminutive from others.
The shallow plan depth contributes to the reduction in scale of the east and west elevations.
Further the dark façade colour of the three elevations immediately adjacent the neighboring properties, lessens the visual impact of the building.
A high ceiling to the living area is accommodated and near level access to the garden from the living is ensured. Each living space then has a very different connection and experience of the site and broader context. The terrace and outdoor living space focuses on the foreground garden, native bush and high level foliage. The dining wall opening removes the foreground and focuses on the city view opposite and mountains beyond. The lounge incorporates both the arterial road and distant views beyond.
The opportunities of the building section are maximized. Though relatively small in floor area, the high ceiling of the living area provides an air of generosity. Higher up in the volume, a studio area views across the living spaces while a large work bench forms a lower ceiling to the sunken lounge below, thereby providing a more intimate and sheltered area within thelarger volume. The children’s area has capacity to be separated into two spaces as needs change with age. They also have their own access to the garden.
The building structure is plantation timber frame construction and the interior is lined with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified plywood and provides a natural warm quality. The building envelope is insulated with mineral wool insulation that is augmented with a high performance rigid phenolic insulation board. The patterned Northeast façade incorporates a sustainable plantation sourced compressed wood fibre cladding product.
Photovoltaic cells, and evacuated tube hot water heating are installed together with efficient fixtures and fittings. Northeast orientation, minimal southern openings, protected western openings and double glazed windows contribute to a well performing building envelope in the cool temperate climate zone.

Awarded:
National Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New).
2014 National Architecture Awards.
The Australian Institute of Architects.

Presented by Philip M Dingemanse Architecture + Design

www.pmd.net.au