A Deep Connection to Nature – J&J Residence by Hogg and Lamb

Utilising earth as a stabilising, balancing and comforting force from which the resulting home radiates, the formal response of J&J Residence is conceived from a deeply rooted connection to site. Hogg and Lamb combines a considered refinement together with bold and generous volumes in conjuring this generous and calming abode.

Being self-conscience and acutely aware of its environmental impact ensures the mechanisms that underpin J&J Residence become the same unshakeable foundations from which the formal response is built. And it is the appreciation and respect of being immersed in such a unique site that then elevates the experience of the resulting spaces of this Brisbane home. Responding to its site and the surrounding context it is immersed within, the volumes act in response to an engagement with the natural, which is intertwined and highly considered. The desire to embrace the contributing conditions and create a comfortable and intelligent home became a key driver in the design. As a result, Hogg and Lamb conjures a calming and immersive home that both invites the inside out and the outside in, creating a harmonious coexistence between the two.

Responding to its site and the surrounding context it is immersed within, the volumes act in response to an engagement with the natural through being intertwined and highly considered.

Boldly engaging with its site, the hero is the 40m-long rammed earth wall from which all elements hinge that stands as the reminder of the natural amongst the highly refined details of the home. Built by Scott Harris Constructions, J&J Residence is a play on contrasts. While its 75-tonne masonry spine provides a weighted connection to its site, the opening aspects and apertures that connect visually and provide ventilation act as a counter to the heavier offerings. Sustainable principles are so deeply embedded into the build that the structural and architectural features also offer thermal comfort and an active non-reliance on energy. The use of rammed earth together with under floor ventilation, vertical ducts and a packed program of mechanisms ensures the home interacts passively with its environment, maximising the best orientations and working with the climate, instead of resisting it.

Spread over two stories, J&J Residence presents as a generous home of vast proportions, further emphasised through double-heighted spaces that open to the surrounds. While masonry elements act as textural and cooling features, timber adds warmth and a further connection to the natural. Opening to its northern aspect and protected eucalypt tree reserve it abuts, the 2.4m overhang extends the roofline outward as a gesture, while also providing a welcomed climatic protection. A softly muted and neutral palette then brings all of the elements together.

While masonry elements act as textural and cooling features, timber adds warmth and a further connection to the natural.

As a considered and beautiful embrace of its location, Hogg and Lamb has utilised specialised measures to embed sustainable principles into the classically proportioned J&J Residence, while creating a harmonising enclave for its residents.