This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith

Archway with architrave leading to entry and stair. This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith Photography

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation.

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Minimalist home office photo in San Francisco

French country kitchen photo in Charlotte

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Second floor hall study with clerestory windows into hall bath. This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith Photography

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Josh Pabst

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith Photography

This custom, high-performance home was designed and built to a LEED for Homes Platinum rating, the highest rating given to homes when certified by the US Green Building Council. The house has been laid out to take maximum advantage of both passive and active solar energy, natural ventilation, low impact and recyclable materials, high efficiency lighting and controls, in a structure that is very simple and economical to build. The envelope of the house is designed to require a minimum amount of energy in order to live and use the home based on the lifestyle of the occupants. The home will have an innovative HVAC system that has been recently developed by engineers from the University of Illinois which uses considerably less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and provides extremely high indoor air quality utilizing a CERV (conditioned energy recovery ventilation system) combined with a cost effective installation. Lawrence Smith Photography

LEED Certification Level: Platinum. Builder: R & S Engineering & Construction. The Cavanaugh Residence is a contemporary split level with a split personality. Totally designed from the ground up to minimize impact and maximize energy and water efficiency, its beautiful facade belies its hard-working, high-producing systems, earning it a LEED Platinum score of 116.5, and a HERS rating of minus 22. The 2774 square foot home produces over 100 per cent of its power with a 10.8 kw pv system, and captures 100 per cent of its freshwater needs from the curved metal roofs through an engineered collection and purification system, stored in an integrated concrete cistern. Constructed of locally made SIP panels on an infill waterfront lot, the home is oriented to maximize the production of the pv panels. Six inch SIP panels work together with a highly reflective, highly emmisive cool standing seam roof, icynene insulation in ceiling and floors, and carefully placed high efficiency windows and doors to create a tightly sealed environment. The 17-seer Trane heat pump variable speed compressors and TAM 7 air handlers, along with a whole house dehumidifier and fresh air intake provide a comfortable, clean indoor environment while using little energy. In the shoulder seasons, natural ventilation cools the home with fresh breezes drawn from lower windows in each room flowing through the curved ceilings to clerestory windows at the top of the house. Natural daylighting, with windows placed in corners and high clerestories, bounce the abundant natural light so that the owners use the interior LED lighting primarily at night. Windows were sited to frame views of the neighboring park and water, and capture the light, but represent a very low percentage of glazing to wall to conserve energy. Primarily native, xeriscaped turfless landscaping sips reclaimed water from its drip and bubbler irrigiation system, and requires little trimming or chemicals. Established trees, protected during construction, shade the home, FSC certified decks, and yard, providing a cool place to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the day, even in Florida's summer heat. Rainwater is diverted from the bay through the engineered collection and filtration system to an integrated concrete cistern hidden beneath the decks. Abundant Florida rainwater supplies 100 per cent of the home's needs, including drinking, bathing, and cleaning. Naturally soft, the highly filtered and UV purified water requires no chemical treatment or water softener. Coupled with minimal hardscape and permeable drive and walkways, almost all ground water remains on the lot, and out of storm sewers and bay runoffs. Designed as a forever home for this active retired couple, an open floor plan provides diagonal interior views along with great circulation space. Wide hallways and doors, curbless showers, an elevator, and extra blocking in the walls for grab rails insures the couple of being able to use their home even if physical disabilities arise. The home's footprint is minimized by building over the conditioned crawlspace and over-sized garage, and the finished floor height, at least two feet above flood code requirements, significantly reduces insurance costs while maximizing storage space for camping and water sports equipment. Materials, fixtures and appliances were carefully selected for energy and water efficiency, local production where possible, recycled content/recyclability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The owners were very involved in vetting and materials selections, and assisted in just-in-time purchasing to minimize waste. Scrap materials were sorted daily for re-use elsewhere in the project (blocking, concrete forms, drywall scraps as acoustical insulation in interior walls, etc.), resulting in a tiny waste pile at the end of a dumpster-free project. Concrete waste was hauled to a local recycler to become road base, and extra useable materials were returned to the vendor or donated to Habitat Restore. Cost-effective choices, and careful planning, saved significant dollars in construction cost as well as landfill space. One of the biggest challenges was finding qualified subcontractors who would work within the guidelines. With the help of our LEED consultant and meetings and explanations, most subcontractors not only bought into the ideas readily, but offered up new ideas. Highly skilled and professional, the team of subs, LEED consultant, and contractor proved that LEED construction is excellent construction. The team, the owners, and I also found that LEED construction makes great economic sense. Most materials (other than increased insulation and photovoltaic panels) cost no more, and sometimes less, than those employed in construction of a lesser standard. The owners have been living in the home for a year now, and are thrilled with the results. No power bill. No water bill. Extremely low insurance bill. Minimal ground maintenance. No fabric softener. Reduced use of soap, detergents, and shampoos and cleaning supplies. Less time cleaning with spot-free rainwater. Careful planning and materials selection brought the project in under budget, and the home operates at an extremely low cost, both to the homeowners, and the environment. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Simon Black
Mid-sized contemporary beige two-story metal exterior home idea in Melbourne with a metal roof

Project Information Size: 659.70 sq.m (71 m2) 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Livings Spaces 2 Car Spaces & Store Infinity Pool Heathmont, Maroondah Council Summary The key to this particular project was the collaboration between Lateral Building Design and the Owner/Builder to bring a sense of uniqueness to a very individual design. The house was designed as a series of open spaces that flow and connect seamlessly throughout, creating a dwelling that is easy and enjoyable to live in. The generous proportions are harmonious with the property’s natural surroundings, and are further enhanced by the detailed landscaping of outdoor spaces. Quality finishes are used throughout with premium fixtures, fittings and built in joinery. The combination of flowing spaces and layering of natural materials including timber, stone and cement further accentuate the feeling of open space and the elegant transition between outside and in. With the client wanting to maximise the floor area of the residence, the existing, irregular building envelope on the site became the main design constraint. Additional site constraints included a gully located to the front and side of the site, a significantly sloping block and proliferous trees, all of which provided numerous challenges. The site was also located within an overland flow path which required consideration as to how the building was to be sited in order to reduce potential interference with the natural drainage conditions of the land. Given the irregularity of the building envelope, our first challenge was to attempt to create a more regular shape that council would approve which would open up greater possibilities for the building design. This in itself was challenging given the 122 trees located nearby, so in redirecting the building envelope the removal of selected trees was required. A comprehensive Arboricultural assessment was carried out in order to review the health of each tree and assess their viability or otherwise, based on their proximity to the proposed building. In addition, several trees were required to remain due to their designation as habitats for local fauna in the area by council. With this in mind, the proposed building was designed to incorporate these trees as a feature around the front entry of the building. The client brief was quite extensive in order to meet the needs of a growing family. As the client was undertaking the build himself, careful selection of materials, construction methods and collaboration throughout the project ensured the client was able to achieve his desired outcome. The use of a cladding system called ‘versaloc’ provided an economical product choice and expedited the build process, while providing a feature finish to the internal walls. The precise nature of this system required room sizes to be adjusted along the way in order for the walls to be sized according to the cladding system specifications. Although the building envelope provided a challenge in containing everything on the client’s wish list to the one level, the cantilevered upper level created a structure that hovers over the gully below, creating an architectural statement whilst not negatively impacting the context of the site. An oversized double garage located below allows for workshop space, a wine cellar and further storage. The internal space draws attention to details such as the skylights, carefully placed to flood the spaces with natural light, whilst at the same time providing views to the sky and a connection to the exterior. The main external feature of the house is a generously sized pool with an infinity edge along the length that cantilevers over the gully below. This forms an extension of the entertainment area which in turn connects with the interior spaces. Large sliding doors and windows throughout allow direct and indirect light into the living spaces whilst bringing the outside in. Attention to detail in the final finishes of this residence was paramount in creating a timeless, sensitive design which would not compromise the longevity of the home. The modern design meets the current and future needs of the client’s family, while flash trends that tend to date and show the age of a home have been avoided. Lateral Building Design created not only created a purposeful space for a growing family but also a contemporary and innovative residence that met the clients brief.

Project Information Size: 659.70 sq.m (71 m2) 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Livings Spaces 2 Car Spaces & Store Infinity Pool Heathmont, Maroondah Council Summary The key to this particular project was the collaboration between Lateral Building Design and the Owner/Builder to bring a sense of uniqueness to a very individual design. The house was designed as a series of open spaces that flow and connect seamlessly throughout, creating a dwelling that is easy and enjoyable to live in. The generous proportions are harmonious with the property’s natural surroundings, and are further enhanced by the detailed landscaping of outdoor spaces. Quality finishes are used throughout with premium fixtures, fittings and built in joinery. The combination of flowing spaces and layering of natural materials including timber, stone and cement further accentuate the feeling of open space and the elegant transition between outside and in. With the client wanting to maximise the floor area of the residence, the existing, irregular building envelope on the site became the main design constraint. Additional site constraints included a gully located to the front and side of the site, a significantly sloping block and proliferous trees, all of which provided numerous challenges. The site was also located within an overland flow path which required consideration as to how the building was to be sited in order to reduce potential interference with the natural drainage conditions of the land. Given the irregularity of the building envelope, our first challenge was to attempt to create a more regular shape that council would approve which would open up greater possibilities for the building design. This in itself was challenging given the 122 trees located nearby, so in redirecting the building envelope the removal of selected trees was required. A comprehensive Arboricultural assessment was carried out in order to review the health of each tree and assess their viability or otherwise, based on their proximity to the proposed building. In addition, several trees were required to remain due to their designation as habitats for local fauna in the area by council. With this in mind, the proposed building was designed to incorporate these trees as a feature around the front entry of the building. The client brief was quite extensive in order to meet the needs of a growing family. As the client was undertaking the build himself, careful selection of materials, construction methods and collaboration throughout the project ensured the client was able to achieve his desired outcome. The use of a cladding system called ‘versaloc’ provided an economical product choice and expedited the build process, while providing a feature finish to the internal walls. The precise nature of this system required room sizes to be adjusted along the way in order for the walls to be sized according to the cladding system specifications. Although the building envelope provided a challenge in containing everything on the client’s wish list to the one level, the cantilevered upper level created a structure that hovers over the gully below, creating an architectural statement whilst not negatively impacting the context of the site. An oversized double garage located below allows for workshop space, a wine cellar and further storage. The internal space draws attention to details such as the skylights, carefully placed to flood the spaces with natural light, whilst at the same time providing views to the sky and a connection to the exterior. The main external feature of the house is a generously sized pool with an infinity edge along the length that cantilevers over the gully below. This forms an extension of the entertainment area which in turn connects with the interior spaces. Large sliding doors and windows throughout allow direct and indirect light into the living spaces whilst bringing the outside in. Attention to detail in the final finishes of this residence was paramount in creating a timeless, sensitive design which would not compromise the longevity of the home. The modern design meets the current and future needs of the client’s family, while flash trends that tend to date and show the age of a home have been avoided. Lateral Building Design created not only created a purposeful space for a growing family but also a contemporary and innovative residence that met the clients brief.

Project Information Size: 659.70 sq.m (71 m2) 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Livings Spaces 2 Car Spaces & Store Infinity Pool Heathmont, Maroondah Council Summary The key to this particular project was the collaboration between Lateral Building Design and the Owner/Builder to bring a sense of uniqueness to a very individual design. The house was designed as a series of open spaces that flow and connect seamlessly throughout, creating a dwelling that is easy and enjoyable to live in. The generous proportions are harmonious with the property’s natural surroundings, and are further enhanced by the detailed landscaping of outdoor spaces. Quality finishes are used throughout with premium fixtures, fittings and built in joinery. The combination of flowing spaces and layering of natural materials including timber, stone and cement further accentuate the feeling of open space and the elegant transition between outside and in. With the client wanting to maximise the floor area of the residence, the existing, irregular building envelope on the site became the main design constraint. Additional site constraints included a gully located to the front and side of the site, a significantly sloping block and proliferous trees, all of which provided numerous challenges. The site was also located within an overland flow path which required consideration as to how the building was to be sited in order to reduce potential interference with the natural drainage conditions of the land. Given the irregularity of the building envelope, our first challenge was to attempt to create a more regular shape that council would approve which would open up greater possibilities for the building design. This in itself was challenging given the 122 trees located nearby, so in redirecting the building envelope the removal of selected trees was required. A comprehensive Arboricultural assessment was carried out in order to review the health of each tree and assess their viability or otherwise, based on their proximity to the proposed building. In addition, several trees were required to remain due to their designation as habitats for local fauna in the area by council. With this in mind, the proposed building was designed to incorporate these trees as a feature around the front entry of the building. The client brief was quite extensive in order to meet the needs of a growing family. As the client was undertaking the build himself, careful selection of materials, construction methods and collaboration throughout the project ensured the client was able to achieve his desired outcome. The use of a cladding system called ‘versaloc’ provided an economical product choice and expedited the build process, while providing a feature finish to the internal walls. The precise nature of this system required room sizes to be adjusted along the way in order for the walls to be sized according to the cladding system specifications. Although the building envelope provided a challenge in containing everything on the client’s wish list to the one level, the cantilevered upper level created a structure that hovers over the gully below, creating an architectural statement whilst not negatively impacting the context of the site. An oversized double garage located below allows for workshop space, a wine cellar and further storage. The internal space draws attention to details such as the skylights, carefully placed to flood the spaces with natural light, whilst at the same time providing views to the sky and a connection to the exterior. The main external feature of the house is a generously sized pool with an infinity edge along the length that cantilevers over the gully below. This forms an extension of the entertainment area which in turn connects with the interior spaces. Large sliding doors and windows throughout allow direct and indirect light into the living spaces whilst bringing the outside in. Attention to detail in the final finishes of this residence was paramount in creating a timeless, sensitive design which would not compromise the longevity of the home. The modern design meets the current and future needs of the client’s family, while flash trends that tend to date and show the age of a home have been avoided. Lateral Building Design created not only created a purposeful space for a growing family but also a contemporary and innovative residence that met the clients brief.

Project Information Size: 659.70 sq.m (71 m2) 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Livings Spaces 2 Car Spaces & Store Infinity Pool Heathmont, Maroondah Council Summary The key to this particular project was the collaboration between Lateral Building Design and the Owner/Builder to bring a sense of uniqueness to a very individual design. The house was designed as a series of open spaces that flow and connect seamlessly throughout, creating a dwelling that is easy and enjoyable to live in. The generous proportions are harmonious with the property’s natural surroundings, and are further enhanced by the detailed landscaping of outdoor spaces. Quality finishes are used throughout with premium fixtures, fittings and built in joinery. The combination of flowing spaces and layering of natural materials including timber, stone and cement further accentuate the feeling of open space and the elegant transition between outside and in. With the client wanting to maximise the floor area of the residence, the existing, irregular building envelope on the site became the main design constraint. Additional site constraints included a gully located to the front and side of the site, a significantly sloping block and proliferous trees, all of which provided numerous challenges. The site was also located within an overland flow path which required consideration as to how the building was to be sited in order to reduce potential interference with the natural drainage conditions of the land. Given the irregularity of the building envelope, our first challenge was to attempt to create a more regular shape that council would approve which would open up greater possibilities for the building design. This in itself was challenging given the 122 trees located nearby, so in redirecting the building envelope the removal of selected trees was required. A comprehensive Arboricultural assessment was carried out in order to review the health of each tree and assess their viability or otherwise, based on their proximity to the proposed building. In addition, several trees were required to remain due to their designation as habitats for local fauna in the area by council. With this in mind, the proposed building was designed to incorporate these trees as a feature around the front entry of the building. The client brief was quite extensive in order to meet the needs of a growing family. As the client was undertaking the build himself, careful selection of materials, construction methods and collaboration throughout the project ensured the client was able to achieve his desired outcome. The use of a cladding system called ‘versaloc’ provided an economical product choice and expedited the build process, while providing a feature finish to the internal walls. The precise nature of this system required room sizes to be adjusted along the way in order for the walls to be sized according to the cladding system specifications. Although the building envelope provided a challenge in containing everything on the client’s wish list to the one level, the cantilevered upper level created a structure that hovers over the gully below, creating an architectural statement whilst not negatively impacting the context of the site. An oversized double garage located below allows for workshop space, a wine cellar and further storage. The internal space draws attention to details such as the skylights, carefully placed to flood the spaces with natural light, whilst at the same time providing views to the sky and a connection to the exterior. The main external feature of the house is a generously sized pool with an infinity edge along the length that cantilevers over the gully below. This forms an extension of the entertainment area which in turn connects with the interior spaces. Large sliding doors and windows throughout allow direct and indirect light into the living spaces whilst bringing the outside in. Attention to detail in the final finishes of this residence was paramount in creating a timeless, sensitive design which would not compromise the longevity of the home. The modern design meets the current and future needs of the client’s family, while flash trends that tend to date and show the age of a home have been avoided. Lateral Building Design created not only created a purposeful space for a growing family but also a contemporary and innovative residence that met the clients brief.

Tasmania’s Clarence High School Oval Sports Pavilion by Dock4 Architects hums like a well-oiled machine. When I visit midweek for a twilight Little Athletics meet, the streets and car parks are full. Crowds of children and parents fill the space with an intense, positive atmosphere. The pavilion, set in a sea of colourful family tents, is quietly efficient without drawing attention to itself. It is an elegant response to the architectural brief and the obvious enjoyment of the people using it is equally due to the effective organization of community groups and a design that focuses and supports their efforts. Modernism once brought clarity to architecture. Function generated form. New economic realities, however, have changed those simple parameters. Sustainability factors and the bundling of disparate funding sources mean that buildings must now accommodate far more diverse functions than they once did. Architects now have to meet complex design briefs from an assortment of associated clients and user groups. There are advantages to this model. A building with a broad outreach offers significant opportunities to reduce the direct cost of high-quality facilities. These buildings are made possible in the first place by an expanded funding base, while use by different groups spreads the long-term maintenance costs. For example, the Clarence High School sports grounds are professionally curated by the local council rather than by the school gardener. This sharing of responsibility generates great design challenges in the effective integration of function, security and identity. The design draws together three spatial elements – two circular brick structures and a central terrace – under a single roof. *Completed as Director/ Architect of Dock4 Architects

Grade A teak. Made exclusively from the highest-quality teak wood in the world. Teak is considered the king of timber, which we proudly craft into outdoor furniture with a refined sensibility. Designed to offer superior feel and function, the Teak Collection takes its cues from automotive design, where aerodynamics and stance are of the utmost importance. Our Teak Collection is proudly Forest Stewardship Council® certified, the leading international authority on sustainable forest management. FSC® certification is considered the “gold standard” for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. FSC® N003425 Sourced from responsibly managed teak fields in Central Java. For each tree we harvest, the farm plants three more in its place. A single teak tree can absorb 10kg of carbon every year, helping offset climate change. The patented OuterShell® cover quickly rolls out and over the cushions to protect from everyday dirt, debris and morning dew. Outer's modular design makes rearranging for any outdoor setting, activity, or occasion easy. Your chairs can be arranged and rearranged for an unlimited number of configurations. Polished stainless steel clips designed to secure individual pieces together will never rust.