Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Image 2 of 26Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - ChairCape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - DeckCape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - FacadeCape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - More Images+ 21

Cape Schanck, Australia
  • Architects: Jackson Clements Burrows: Jackson Clements Burrows Pty Ltd Architects
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  400

Text description provided by the architects. The undulating landscape at Cape Schanck is primarily a combination of cleared grass dunes (locally known as the Cups region) and expansive areas of dense Coastal Heath and Ti-tree shrub. The site is a designated wildfire zone and prior to the landscape being significantly cleared by early European farmers the area was inhabited by local aborigines.

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Image 2 of 26

On our first site visit we discovered the remnants of a hollowed out burnt log. This informed a starting point for an architectural exploration for the interiors and exterior where the form of the hollowed log suggested possibilities for an architectural solution.

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Deck

The site is located on a high inland dune amongst dense coastal ti-tree shrub with expansive western views. On approach, the visitor is fronted by an expansive wall which conceals the primary upper level form. The lower level extends from the steep ground plane as a rendered plinth and forms a base much like the surrounding dunes. A winding driveway climbs the steep dune accessing the upper level behind a screen fence which conceals the view beyond. From here the entry experience opens to expansive views over the living area, deck and pool.

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Garden

Programmatically the house considers the needs of a retired couple and their extended family who regularly visit with grandchildren. The primary upper level form (conceived as a hollowed out log) contains the kitchen, dining, living, garage and laundry. A secondary upper level form (conceived as a branch extending from the log) contains the study, master bedroom and ensuite. These forms are both finished in spotted gum hardwood cladding which is stained black. Cedar windows and cladding left in a natural finish are sleeved into the black exterior accentuating the difference between the interior and exterior as if part of a natural weathering process. The lower level contains guest accommodation and conceals functional plant spaces for mechanical systems and pool equipment.

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Chair

The house is orientated to the northwest embracing expansive views. To control passive heating in summer, the western windows are protected by extensive eaves and motorised external Vental louvre blinds automatically descend once the sun passes through the north axis. Extensive northern glass is also protected by sunshades which limit solar penetration in summer. Further sustainable design considerations include fully automated electrical systems to reduce unnecessary power drain, bore water for garden and pool use and rainwater collection to tanks for all domestic use - town water was available however the clients agreed that the connection was unnecessary.

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Beam

This house engages with the landscape through manipulation of form, material and colour. The weathered black vertical cladding profile references the undercroft structure of the Ti-tree and upper level form extends from the hill at ground level rising to a ridge which then descends to the west. At distance, the cranked profile of the form responds to the undulating profile of the surrounding ti-tree scrub and immerses the building within its surrounds.

Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows - Facade

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Cite: "Cape Schanck House / Jackson Clements Burrows" 24 Jul 2008. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/4251/cape-schanck-house-jackson-clements-burrows> ISSN 0719-8884

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