On face value, it’s easy to see that sustainability was front and centre in the brief given to Robeson Architects when it came time for a Perth family to create their ideal home.
But it is one thing to have a home that looks the part and an entirely different matter to create one that is sustainable right down to its bare bones. All the timber, not just that which makes up the stunning facade, was FSC certified, including the parts that will never see the light of day.
Picture: Dion Robeson | Styling: Anna Flanders
It would have been easy to ignore the components that were out of sight and therefore out of mind but these owners were serious about doing it the right way. They invested extra money, not only in the sustainable timber, but also in items such as extra insulation, water tanks and a greywater system.
Green, environmentally friendly concrete was used for the ground floor and in a surprise move for a modern Perth home, there is no air-conditioning.
Picture: Dion Robeson | Styling: Anna Flanders
Instead, the team at Robeson Architects meticulously planned the placement of louvres and windows so that they would capture the south-westerly breezes to cool down the home naturally.
Robeson Architects used a clever reverse brick veneer construction method which they say is much better suited to Perth’s climate. This works in perfect harmony with ceiling fans to ensure the interiors maintain a comfortable temperature even when the mercury soars.
Picture: Dion Robeson
Picture: Dion Robeson
The external cladding and timber flooring are drop-dead gorgeous with sustainably sourced recycled spotted gum. And as if all that was not enough, the owners also wanted their interiors to comply with liveable housing design guidelines. The result is sprawling wide hallways, wider doors and no pokey, difficult to access spaces.
This posed an extra challenge in the design phase because it meant a lot of thought had to be given to address the slope of the site using ramps and graded paths, making it easier for someone to move from the front boundary to the rear boundary without having to go up or down a single step.
This plan was to ensure the home could cater for the needs of extended family living in the future. This more sustainable choice means that rather than moving or building when their needs change, the family is now well prepared to welcome a grandparent sometime down the track. The home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a home office, a spacious living area and a beautifully appointed granny flat.
