Compact Flexibility – House on the Pond by Atelier Echelle

Embracing its remote location, House on the Pond is a sanctuary of warmth and connection and acts as a supplementary pavilion to the main home. Atelier Echelle merges openness with flexibility in functionality and planning, which sees an encircled, covered terrace space emerge that extends the useable floor area.

House on the Pond emerges as a versatile haven. Designed as an addition to the existing main home already established on site, the proposal of a new secondary form consisted of a series of shared functions. From its role as a pool house to accommodation for up to four people, the form also needed to be contained to 50 square metres. Using the additional lofted space above to integrate a mezzanine for a separate retreat and sleeping space, the gabled form is solid and scaled match to the surrounds. Set amid the natural elements, and situated as an independent entity of its own, Atelier Echelle’s House on the Pond features uninterrupted views out, with generous glazing wrapping the main form.

Set amid the natural elements, and situated as an independent entity of its own, Atelier Echelle’s House on the Pond features uninterrupted views out, with generous glazing wrapping the main form.

Envisioned as a radiant jewel box of sorts, the structure embodies a stillness and proportion that creates a unique place of reflection. Immersed within the landscape, the form embraces the ebb and flow of the seasons. The use of timber both externally and within echoes the warmth traditionally afforded to rural forms, and through an elevation of detailing and composition, the structure is built with the intent to stand for years to come. More than its parts, the pavilion offers an immersive connection to place.

In response to the changing weather conditions, additional thermal weight is integrated into the structural elements, with concrete blockwork forming the base and timber and other supporting mechanisms reducing a reliance on external energy sources. A sunken firepit facilitates natural warmth during the cooler nights, whilst a gallery space becomes the bridge that binds the interior spaces and leads to the adjacent pond – the namesake of the structure. The dwelling is clad in Kebony timber – the use of locally sourced materials furthering a natural connection – which creates a silhouette that also responds to the existing vernacular. Internally, oak is used in conjunction with Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, brass accents and putty-coloured sandstone.

Envisioned as a radiant jewel box of sorts, the structure embodies a stillness and proportion that creates a unique place of reflection.

As a home that encourages interaction both within and with the landscape, House on the Pond is intended to be passed down through future generations. Through embedding heightened quality and finishes, Atelier Echelle ensures the form will remain for many years to come.