Aquas Perma Solar Firma | CplusC

The Alexandria Residence is tailored to the needs of a modern, environmentally conscious and socially responsible couple. From the street, the initial view is of a spiral staircase which has been integrated into the front façade as a sculptural element in response to the narrow yet deep lot size to maximize the useable floor space. The glass and timber battens which form the stair enclosure allow light to penetrate through the façade into the living room whilst preserving the residents’ privacy. Inside, a central courtyard allows for natural breezes to cool the house in summer and provides a constant visual link to nature and the outdoors which many inner city terraces lack. The vertically hung timber framed counterweight glass doors and louvres which enclose the courtyard enable the kitchen, living and dining to function as one big warm and open space when open and maintain a visual connection between the spaces when closed. The timber detailing found throughout the house continues into the back garden where sliding doors open to allow the kitchen and dining areas to spill into the outdoors.

From the initial sketch design a high priority was placed on minimising the environmental impact of the development. As a result the project includes an aquaponics system, photovoltaics, rainwater storage, electric powered car charging station, wicking bed, low embodied materials and recycled materials (including a double height recycled brick feature wall), compost, worm farm, vegetable garden and a chicken coop.