Designed around the radius of a magnificent heritage listed oak tree, this North Hobart residence takes advantage of the seasonal changes of the site. The deciduous nature of the oak tree is utilised within the design to provide shade from the western sun in summer and additional filtered light in the winter afternoons.
Passive Energy Design
The layout includes a north facing solar atrium, flooding the house with light over three levels. Polished concrete slabs are positioned to absorb the sunlight, providing thermal mass and keeping the house temperate.
Materials
The Macrocarpa cladding is left to naturally fade to a silvery grey colour over the years, blending into a neutral colour scheme.
Design Challenges
Due to the narrow, steep block, with drainage easements on three boundaries, the space left for the footprint of the house was very tight. In order to accommodate the young family a building over three levels was designed. Protecting the root system of the heritage listed oak tree inspired the semicircular front facade design.
