Heathmont Project
Project Information
Size: 659.70 sq.m (71 m2)
4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms
3 Livings Spaces 2 Car Spaces & Store
Infinity Pool
Heathmont, Maroondah Council
Summary
The key to this particular project was the
collaboration between Lateral Building Design
and the Owner/Builder to bring a sense of
uniqueness to a very individual design.
The house was designed as a series of
open spaces that flow and connect seamlessly throughout, creating a dwelling that is easy and enjoyable to live in. The generous proportions
are harmonious with the property’s natural
surroundings, and are further enhanced by
the detailed landscaping of outdoor spaces.
Quality finishes are used throughout with
premium fixtures, fittings and built in joinery.
The combination of flowing spaces and
layering of natural materials including timber,
stone and cement further accentuate the
feeling of open space and the elegant transition between outside and in.
With the client wanting to maximise the floor
area of the residence, the existing, irregular
building envelope on the site became the
main design constraint. Additional site
constraints included a gully located to the
front and side of the site, a significantly
sloping block and proliferous trees, all of
which provided numerous challenges.
The site was also located within an overland
flow path which required consideration as
to how the building was to be sited in
order to reduce potential interference with
the natural drainage conditions of the land.
Given the irregularity of the building
envelope, our first challenge was to attempt
to create a more regular shape that council
would approve which would open up greater possibilities for the building design.
This in itself was challenging given the
122 trees located nearby, so in redirecting
the building envelope the removal of selected
trees was required. A comprehensive
Arboricultural assessment was carried out in
order to review the health of each tree and
assess their viability or otherwise, based on their proximity to the proposed building. In addition,
several trees were required to remain due to their designation as habitats for local fauna in the area
by council. With this in mind, the proposed
building was designed to incorporate these
trees as a feature around the front entry of
the building.
The client brief was quite extensive in order
to meet the needs of a growing family.
As the client was undertaking the build
himself, careful selection of materials,
construction methods and collaboration
throughout the project ensured the client
was able to achieve his desired outcome.
The use of a cladding system called ‘versaloc’
provided an economical product choice
and expedited the build process, while
providing a feature finish to the internal walls.
The precise nature of this system required
room sizes to be adjusted along the way in
order for the walls to be sized according
to the cladding system specifications.
Although the building envelope provided
a challenge in containing everything on the
client’s wish list to the one level, the
cantilevered upper level created a structure
that hovers over the gully below, creating an architectural statement whilst not
negatively impacting the context of the site.
An oversized double garage located below
allows for workshop space, a wine cellar
and further storage. The internal space
draws attention to details such as the
skylights, carefully placed to flood the
spaces with natural light, whilst at the
same time providing views to the sky
and a connection to the exterior.
The main external feature of the house is
a generously sized pool with an infinity
edge along the length that cantilevers
over the gully below. This forms an extension
of the entertainment area which in turn
connects with the interior spaces.
Large sliding doors and windows
throughout allow direct and indirect light
into the living spaces whilst bringing the
outside in.
Attention to detail in the final finishes
of this residence was paramount in creating
a timeless, sensitive design which
would not compromise the longevity
of the home. The modern design meets
the current and future needs of the
client’s family, while flash trends that tend
to date and show the age of a home
have been avoided.
Lateral Building Design created not only
created a purposeful space for a growing
family but also a contemporary and
innovative residence that met the clients brief.