ISSUE NO. 26 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU 97
at home with /TOM ROBERTSON
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE
THE AESTHETIC?
You could say the form references the
rural vernacular. The over all presence
of the building is formal with a degree
of permanence.WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
IN A HOME?
Function! Connection, between spaces,
the family and the landscape beyond.
Low maintenance. And lots of comfort.ARE THERE ANY ENERGY EFFICIENT
OR ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES IN
THE HOME?
Passive solar design such as well oriented
and scales windows, controlled sun
shading allows winter sun to penetrate
into the house but not in the hotter
months. The concrete slab provides
thermal mass which retains the heat
and slowly releases it during the evening.
And finally cross ventilation allows a
breeze to naturally cool the house.WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE
LOCAL AREA?
The area is relaxed and allows privacy
and an escape. Located to a series of
spectacular beaches is one of its assets.WHERE IN THE AREA ARE FAVOURITE
PLACES TO VISIT?
The beach!PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR
HOME AND YOURSELVES...
All family members are energetic and
enthusiastic, with a strong connection
with the country and coastline. All living
busy work life, this house has been
designed to focus on relaxation. A sense
of calm and connecting the family.
The house is a weekend retreat for three
generations ranging from six months old
to 76 years old.WHERE IS THE HOME LOCATED?
The Victorian coastline.
The property has been in the family for
a very long time. Previously housing a
prefabricated 70s kit home which has
been replaced to house the rapidly
growing family.WHO WORKED ON THE DESIGN
OF THE HOME?
Tom Robertson ArchitectsHOW DOES THE HOME'S DESIGN AND
FUNCTIONALITY ENHANCE QUALITY
OF LIFE?
The house is well oriented to absorb the
sun and allow for a striking view to the
water beyond. The configuration of the
house allows for gentle separation of
zones and adapting to different scales
of visitors. The interior pallets is
deliberately robust, yet calm.WHICH ELEMENTS OF THE HOME
DO YOU THINK SUPPORT THE ETHOS
OF SIMPLE LIVING?
Materials are simple, the configuration
of spaces is also simple. Therefore, the
way the house is used could easily be
considered as simple, relaxed and a
long way from the chaos city life.DESIGN NOTES /
TOM ROBERTSON /
DIRECTOR /
TOM ROBERTSON
ARCHITECTS
Set on the gentle rise of a
generous rural block, the house
is made up of two distinct
pavilions linked by a breezeway.
Although clearly contemporary,
the form makes a recognisable
reference to traditional barn
architecture.
The farmland has been with
the family for many years and
the rapidly-growing family has
been met with a need for new
accommodation. The brief was
to enable large groups of people
to enjoy the house together,
while allowing subtle layers
of separation and privacy.
The open-plan configuration
allows the central spaces to
focus on the incredible views
to the landscape and water
views beyond.
The internal interior palette is
simple, elegant and robust, to
create a calm atmosphere. The
home’s furnishings add warmth
and character. In particular, the
dining table is crafted from the
one of the trees felled on the
site earlier.
The kitchen is generous in size,
with a lowered bulkhead to
create a sense of cosiness.
The use of robust and functional
materials reduces the amount of
maintenance and the abundance
of strategic storage adapts to
requirements of a large family.
Both the central shared spaces
and more private retreats have
been configured to generate
varied connections with the
amazing rural landscape.
The façade’s strong passive
solar consideration enhances
the internal comfort levels
through out the year.
The house sits calmly in the
rural landscape. It offers the
large family a relaxed escape
from urban life, bringing together
many generations.
TOMROBERTSON.COM.AU