Overview

This project required the design of a substantial family home on a restricted suburban block. The mundane suburban context of the project demanded a response which both challenged its neighborhood while providing the owners with a sense of privacy and connection with the broader landscape and river views. The architectural solution is a long, low dwelling benched into its steep site, offering protection from the street and close neighbors, while opening up to capture daylight and views from its elevated riverside location.


Awards & Jury Citation

“The architects were faced with a long, narrow steep block and an overbearing conglomeration of suburban houses which hemmed in the site, while a spectacular view lay below the slope. The solution was simple but effective: cut out the neighbors and enhance the experience of the view.

In contrast to the surrounding houses, Ian & Jean’s presents a plain façade to the street with a colorful door and a canopy that sails overhead and projects down, inviting entrance and exploration. On entrance, stairs and the canopy direct the attention down to a deck and living area projecting beyond the slope. The fully glazed end to the living area captures a view of the sea and distant hills. Opening to the side, the deck takes in the sweep of Blackmans Bay. The living area slides back into the hillside forming a deep and enclosed space, a relief and counterpoint to the expansive setting.  

The architects have skillfully managed a context of contrasts and found a solution that in resolving the problem of privacy from overlooking neighbors has accentuated the experience of the magnificent setting.”

2008 AIA - Residential - New (Commendation)

Client Testimonial

“ The processes employed by 1+2 that impressed and made for a successful outcome were:

1. Initial discussion and their ability to listen closely to the clients requirements.

2. Brainstorming sessions within their team to pool the best suggestions available.

3. Rapid response with client feedback in notes, sketches, model and site references. This was vital as we were not resident in Tas during the process till construction.

4. Excellent record keeping during the whole 4 stages particularly the contract admin phase where accuracy and timeliness on variations, claims and payments is paramount.

5. A willingness to listen to the client even when our suggestions were "way out".

6. The level of detail that was explored in selecting products and materials.

7. A high degree of honesty in dealing with consultants suppliers, builder and client.

8. A good level 1+2's cost to the client with portion of the fees being fixed price.

9. Lastly and importantly, a high degree of enthusiasm for their work and our project giving us as clients both confidence and mutual ownership of the design.”

Ian and Jean - The Owners