Building by Solar Dewllings

Updated: 29 Oct 2014

Localista Team

Sensitive to its natural surroundings, this spectacular home combines passive solar principles with timeless appeal.

MARGARET RIVER

Enjoying retirement, these clients desired an easy-care, smart, stylish and sustainable home that would also provide a welcoming holiday destination for their family.
Environmentally conscious materials played a key role in the construction of the property, which is perched on a block with panoramic ocean views. Said materials maximise natural light, employ water- and energy-efficient systems, and embrace passive solar principles, ensuring cosy winters and cool summers.

The Margaret River site presented some challenges, including a consistent fall over 12m and an exposed location with sometimes hot, humid summer days, and cold, wet winter nights.

The house was terraced to embrace the slope of the block and capture the spectacular seascape. This also permitted slab-on-ground construction, an important feature of passive thermal storage in Western Australia.

Located on the uppermost level, the garage and main entry descend to the living areas and master suite, and again to the guest and activity areas.
A wide kitchen and entertaining zone flows into the large dining and living area, and the expansive sunroom/library provides the couple with space to relax and take in the ocean views.

Extensive, floor-to-ceiling glazing on the northern and western facades captures winter sun and the stunning vista, while cross-flow ventilation and architecturally appealing high ceilings ensure cool and comfortable summers.

Located on the lowermost level, rainwater tanks and water treatment systems are cleverly concealed by native planting. The undulating roof of the property mimics Margaret River's famous waves in a series of Colorbond skillions and curves.

This intelligently designed, elegant home embraces the local environment while providing the occupants with high-performing features, creating an abode that is simply a joy to live in.