Avonlea House

by Robinson Architects

Queensland-based firm Robinson Architects have created a simplistic and natural space of modern contemporary design which connects with the environment through the use of material selection and special planning.

This project was built for a young family, and stands on a commanding elevated hillside site, in the centre of the market town Eumundi.

The site, which was unique given its central location and size of five acres, was sold with an approved DA for a six-lot subdivision.

Considerable thought was given to how the subdivision was to be handled given its impact on the town. It was decided to sell off just three of the six lots, build on one and retain the other two for garden. Designers saw this as a one-off opportunity to get some quality buildings in such a prominent location in town.

The blocks were sold privately to independent buyers coming directly through Robinson Architects office. The only condition was that RA would design the buildings. All are modest in terms of size and budget and show a sensitivity to the immediate built environment and character of the town.

The brief for the new house was simple – it would be a family home for the long term. Planning for the future was important with their young son in a bedroom close to the master for now. And a guest bedroom at the other end of the house with its own access to the outside, which would become the son’s bedroom when he gets older.

The future house was imagined by both client and architect to be a continuation of the long history of people living in a house on the site, and that the new house would stand the test of time both architecturally and quality of workmanship.

The bedrooms bookend the central living space and are connected by a single hallway. Careful planning has avoided wasted space with storage cupboards, pantry etc. feeding off this axis.

The layout provides opportunities for closeness or separation in the arrangement of bedrooms to accommodate the family dynamic. The long linear plan is orientated at right angles to the top of Cooroy Mountain to the north. All rooms enjoy views to the ever-changing mountain vista and cooling cross ventilating breezes

The Eumundi district’s distinctive red earth is showcased in the rammed earth walls on the southern side of the long linear structure that also act as a buffer to the noise of the nearby primary school and market traffic. A razor thin steel roof with large eaves shade the building and offers a contrast to the natural elements of the rammed earth.

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