Aspect House by Clayton Orszaczky

Specially built to embrace coastal views, Aspect House is characterised by considered angles and openings. The striking residence by Clayton Orszaczky juxtaposes neighbouring builds, embodying a unique response to the site.

Located on the headland overlooking Gerringong and the Pacific Ocean, Aspect House occupies a long, rectilinear lot that slopes up from the street. While the north-facing facade points towards the coast, the eastern facade relates to the immediate suburban context, separated from a footpath by a small fence and native plants. The remaining sides of the building are contained by existing developments. As well as creating comfortable, well-ventilated rooms, the design brief required connecting the indoors with the outdoors, with spaces on the ground floor opening directly onto the garden. An array of eco-friendly features ensure that a sense of harmony is maintained between the dwelling and natural environment.

An array of eco-friendly features ensure that a sense of harmony is maintained between the dwelling and natural environment.

A cantilevered building, Aspect House features a timber-clad upper storey that protects openings on the lower level from the weather. Contrasting the neighbouring homes, the residence is angled 25 degrees to face a sweeping natural view, which would otherwise have been blocked. The considered geometries of the house provide even the most deep-set interiors with a view of the ocean. Three terraces – dubbed ‘morning terrace’, ‘lunchtime terrace’ and ‘afternoon terrace’ – serve as vantage points from which the scenery can be enjoyed.

Countering the sloping site, Clayton Orszaczky creates a ‘garden plinth’ that supports the entire building. The plinth allows the terraces to be directly accessed from the ground floor, and the spaces between the structure and site boundaries are filled with plants native to the area. Because a completely off-form concrete finish would not provide the necessary weatherproofing and thermal regulation, Aspect House features a combination of blockwork, internal studwork and a microcement render. Enhancing the warmth of timber elements, the cool-toned concrete and render presents the home as both welcoming and robust.

The considered geometries of the house provide even the most deep-set interiors with a view of the ocean.

Sustainability is expressed throughout the design of Aspect House. Externally, the timber cladding of the upper storey regulates the internal temperature. The northern and eastern elevations are designed to let sunlight in through sliding timber screens, which can be adjusted to control the amount of light that enters when needed. Equally, there are no openings on the western side of the upper level, and large eaves protect the western opening below. A solar panel system provides on-site power storage; any surplus or unused power is sold back to the grid. Additionally, every window of the home is double glazed.

From its material choices to its orientation, Aspect House marks a departure from conventional design. By working within the site’s constraints, Clayton Orszaczky crafts a home that takes advantage of its unique form and position.

Architecture by Clayton Orszaczky. Interior design by Atelier Alwill. Build by Saltbox Building Co. Landscape design by Tanya Wood Landscape Architecture. Timber by Abodo.