This sustainable house is located in Kew East, Australia, with 358 m² in size. Kew East House is designed by Jost Architects based on the client’s requirement for a house capable of a multi-generational family dynamic, including Timba the dog, their teenage children, and older parents who visit from overseas but will eventually join them permanently.
The Site
With strict council setbacks, this house is located on a complex site with a very steep fall down towards the street. The result is a house that is recessed in the slope. The banded fascias rake and fold, braiding the building into the streetscape of the site while the house functional spaces are layered within this fabric.
The robust materials are chosen for this house and the tonal hue can respond to the huge eucalypts enveloping the site. There are also other beautiful native floras around the Yarra River and Kew Billabong.
Spaces
With the Yarra Trail and the park opposite, there is less need for a requirement of large outdoor areas. The functional interior living spaces always maintain a visual connection with the scenery beyond. These living zones offer direct access to cross-ventilation with room to room movement and natural light, especially at the first level over the internal granny flat and garage.
The private areas of the house are separated by the main corridor, including the additional living area and the master bedroom. These areas can be accessed from either end of the dwelling. The two children’s bedrooms are located on the upper level of the house and a rooftop balcony with stunning views over the park to the city.
System
A 4.95kW PV System, external sliding and fixed timber batten screens, passive solar design with eave overhangs, and the thermally broken window system are combined to create a simple and manually adaptable dwelling. This house is also able to respond to the changing external conditions operating by considering its generous size and at the same time also can maintain comfort for its occupants. It is a house that sits comfortably within its environment and able to adapt to the family changing demographic.
Kew East House Gallery
Photographer: Shani Hodson-Zoso