Treetop Terrace

by Greensheep Collective

The transformation of a dark and cold house into a well-lit, warm and naturally ventilated energy efficient home.

Architects from Green Sheep Collective designed a cosy family home, which translates the modern idea of creating a sustainable house in the busy Melbourne suburb of North Carlton.

With an excellent connection to the garden and views to the city and rooftops of the area, the living room, kitchen, dining, bathroom and a bedroom all take advantage of a central courtyard, to gain natural light and cross-ventilation.

The renovated dining space opens fully to the courtyard, enhancing a feeling of light and spaciousness.

The living room opens to the garden and deck area with wide bi-fold doors, and custom designed cabinetry creates a seamless transition from the ground floor, as the television cabinet becomes the stair to the first-floor master bedroom area.

Here, clerestory windows bring north light for passive solar heating and cooling, via the appropriate sizing of eaves, operable openings, and the ‘stack effect’.

An in-line fan further enhances the energy efficiency of the home, drawing warm air from the first floor and re-distributing it to the living room below.

City views from a high-level window, and two balconies feature on the first floor. One balcony gives a ‘tree house’ feel, nestled in the branches of a large jacaranda tree and the other balcony facing the west, provides a private, secluded space for retreat.

A beautiful spot to sit and relax, as it’s protected from the wind, gains afternoon sun and rooftop views, and showcases the solar panels fitted to the existing north-facing roof.

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