Stonelea House / Matthew Woodward Architecture

This rusticity of the material palette flows through internal spaces with pitched ceilings of meranti plywood and tapered blackbutt rafters that float above burnished concrete floors. Large sliding doors open living spaces out to a wrap-around timber deck, paved stone terraces & native gardens. A gallery of recycled blackbutt shiplap cladding, sliding glass doors & external timber screens, creates a link between living spaces & bedrooms. Double height, timber-lined stair-wells descend into the stone plinth below. One timber stair provides access to the cellar and wine tasting room for the adults while an alternate stair leads to a rumpus room for the kids. If both adults and children alike require outdoor recreation, the swimming pool and terrace will provide hours of enjoyment.

The clients wanted a practical house built on sound environmental principles. The passive design combined with technological initiatives for power generation, water collection, heating and cooling means that the operational footprint on the environment is minimized. Oriented along an east-west axis with glazed north-facing openings, and low overhanging eaves, the house follows the most important passive solar principles.

During summer the house opens up to allow for cross-ventilation. External screens of timber battens provide further shade especially to the west when the sun finds its way under eave overhangs. In the colder months, the sun shines deep inside to warm concrete floors slabs. This provides the thermal mass necessary to regulate overnight temperatures. A geothermal system provides hot water and heated floors and is supported by a solar array large enough to power the entire house. This is a house that can now sustainably continue a legacy of family memories amongst the backdrop of the rural Australian bush.