Structural Integrity Ltd
Project Location:
Southern Lakes
Categories:
Residential Architectural Excellence, Residential Engineering Excellence, Sustainability Award
Project Description:
Dismantled bridges, piers and telephone poles were used to create a new post and beam structure to enclose this existing 20m lap pool and water feature. The posts are set out on a grid designed to unify the existing pool, water feature and three stone clad retaining walls; line up with the slate courtyard planters and doors on the existing dwelling opposite; take heed of the underground services and address the existing ground levels.
The materials used are consistent with those used in the existing house, and although it takes cues from the dwelling, it is a unique form with a double clerestory forming an axis over the pool. This provides essential stack ventilation, provides gentle light and leads the eye toward the water feature below. The interior of the building is remarkably soothing. The sum of the materials, the proportions, the ordered layout and solidity renders the building tranquil in all weathers, often causing one to pause for many a long moment.
The principal internal materials are timber, steel, stone, glass and water. The timber softens and adds warmth to the predominately hard stone interior. The large external brackets hark back to the timber’s prior role, as components of heroic feats of engineering and vital economic lifelines of a romantic bygone era, now superceded by modular modern concrete and steel equivalents.