Linear house

The concept from the architectural team Architects EAT, was simple as intervention. The construction of a residence as simpler as possible in its design and geometry, in order to give emphasis on the horizontal element.

At the highest point of the site, the building was located so as it can be easily visible, when someone approaches, while it was oriented lengthwise towards the north for passive solar benefit. The central idea of the linearity, created an architectural movement and a pathway. During the journey, a series of unfolding spaces are spatially defined while the element of surprise and discovery are important for it. These elements can be visible in the construction and design of the building.

The residence in floor plan is very simple in geometry, with the bedrooms and the dining room being developed along the north look out to the tennis court and down the slope towards Portsea Foreshore. Service areas are on the ground floor to the south, as well as the living room on the first floor, designed to be a winter talking pit or theatherette. The journey ends with a large entertainment deck on the first floor where friends and family can enjoy a barbeque together in the afternoon, watching the sunset in summer, while kids swim in the pool above the garage.

With the simplicity of the main volume, there is not only sliding of horizontal levels but also chinks which function as openings in facades, while they create a pleasant change of spatial qualities and views.

The architects tried to emphasize the linearity of the building not only with final design but also with the materials which were chosen. In the exterior, the house is encased in horizontal spotted gum cladding, expressed steel beams, as well as sliding timber slats screens. Therefore the house is conceived as a linear timber pavilion with a double-storey concrete masonry spine wall running in parallel to the depth of the site. In the interior the combination of materials such as wood and metal give a harmonic atmosphere.

Very important to mention is the modest budget if the construction of the residence, if it is taken into consideration the small size and the open plan. Environmental parameters were also taken into consideration for the right ventilation, solar orientation and energy sustainability of the house.

Architecture team: Architects EAT
Location: Portsea, Melbourne, Australia
Year of construction: 2010
Images with courtesy Architects EAT and HOMEDSGN

Editing: Panagiota- Nefeli Mavroeidi