Yea House
This light-filled passive solar home soaks in views of the surrounding landscape with a prime hilltop position, optimised sun shades, and careful orientation of the living spaces.
Janita Norman, Lead Building Designer
The simple design and lightweight construction of this rural home belies a wealth of meticulous detailing required to bring all of the elements together cohesively.
The client had a strong sense of the interior aesthetic they were looking for, but needed guidance to ensure they achieved their vision.
An internal rammed earth wall provides thermal mass, assisting in reducing heating and cooling, whilst also becoming a standout internal feature.
A warm, inviting interior from which to appreciate the natural beauty of the home's rural location.
Project Brief
The owners of this Yea property wanted to create a contemporary sustainable home that was bright and light-filled, with an emphasis on passive solar access and maximising the view to the surrounding landscape, hills, valley, and farmland.
The clients articulated the overall shape, form, colour, and materiality that they were looking for and we worked closely with them to produce a carefully considered home design with excellent sustainable design features.
Designer’s Thoughts
For what may initially appear to be a relatively simple design, this house required meticulous detailing to ensure that all the elements came together.
The use of different construction materials had to be carefully considered and balanced, to ensure that the finished home functioned as beautifully as it looked. Materials include an organic thermal mass wall created using rammed earth, polished concrete, lightweight claddings, and prefinished steel sheeting.
Shading and sun diagrams were used to refine the level of solar access and provide solar control via optimised shade structures.
The home was carefully positioned and oriented on the lot, to maximise views and support passive heating and cooling.
“Our overarching design philosophy was one of practical, functional minimalism finished with inviting and warm details that make this a welcoming home.”
– Janita Norman, Lead Building Designer
The result is a sustainable home with the impression of a contemporary farmhouse comprised of the simple elements of concrete, earth, steel, and glass.
Services Delivered
Design, project management, consultant coordination, project documentation, interior design assistance.
