Two products from Architectural Window Systems were selected for installation at a beautiful rural retreat located in the upper Hunter Valley.
The brief for the architect, Richard Cole was to create a home that not only offered flexibility but was also sympathetic to the natural environment. The family that owned the property had always used the outdoor area as an extension of their living area and did not want to lose their connection with the land.
Recently featured in Houses, Australia’s leading residential architecture magazine, the home is split into three distinct functional areas comprising of the living areas facing north, and sleeping and service areas facing south.
The main bedroom, situated at the western end of the building is fitted with a large Elevate SlideMASTER door that can be closed for privacy or opened to enjoy northern views of sky and earth through the verandah.
The design was specific about the use of materials to ensure the house felt like an extension of the environment. The team at AVS Windows & Doors was approached to provide the extensive glazing solution for the house. Louvre windows from Elevate Aluminium Systems and doors from the SlideMASTER range were used to create a relaxed open atmosphere.
Darren from AVS Windows & Doors explained that SlideMASTER doors were the obvious choice for the project as they created a dramatic connection between the interior and exterior environments. Richard Cole’s design also called for bold, wide sliding sashes up to 3m high. By combining the SlideMASTER doors with the LouvreMASTER system, Darren’s team was able to achieve the look and feel desired by the client while ensuring all the necessary performance requirements were also met.
The sum effect of the design is an organic and open space, full of natural light and room to breathe.
Highlights of the project:
- All doors incorporated recessed sill tracks to meet the owners’ desire for an unimpeded and seamless connection to the land
- AWS Series 525 louvres were placed high in the ceiling to cleverly assist ventilation by allowing hot air to escape from the southern end of the house
- North-facing walls were entirely louvred, allowing the passage of gentle breezes on hot summer days and balmy nights
- Use of large, bold commercial window and door systems perfectly balanced by the precast concrete walls along the southern side of the building
- Polished concrete floors, galvanised steel, plywood, and recycled tallow-wood create a modern architectural aesthetic
- All windows and doors in clear anodised finish complement the natural environment
- Steel columns taper at their apex with the steel-framed roof resting across soaring glazed walls
