Our clients purchased a 19.56 ha parcel of land at English Road Kiamba in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Designing on large rural blocks is like designing a small town. The extensive roadway construction, water storage systems with high gravity feeder tank, solar power system, septic system etc.

The driving factors behind the design of the house called for a balance between maximising the views and exploring Eco friendly ideas and concepts. This included specifying materials that have low emissions of formaldehyde and other volatile compounds so as to provide good healthy indoor air quality.

The house adheres to the fundamental environmental principle of north to northeast facing living space with wet areas towards the west. It is perched on and fixed back to the hill, a rock ridgeline surrounded by native bushland.

The approach to the house is through bushland arriving via a long driveway at the northeast elevation. From this position the architectural scheme for the home is clear. As an intelligent, sustainable subtropical design.

High raking ceilings to the living and main bedroom with climate control louvers, which allow hot air to escape and moderate the internal summer temperature.

Wood heater provides winter heating with ducted venting to the lower level.

Both externally and internally the architectural detailing contributes to the beauty and experience of the house. The craftsmanship of the builder and trademen is evident; it takes such patience to build a house of this quality.

Philip Boorman