C2 House by Ellivo Architects in Brisbane, Australia

Project: C2 House Architects: Ellivo Architects Location: Brisbane, Australia Area: 22,765 sq ft Photography: Scott Burrow Photography

C2 House by Ellivo Architects in Brisbane, Australia

Ellivo Architects completed the C2 House project in Brisbane, Australia. This stunning luxury home is located on a plot next to the Brisbane River, providing it with unlimited views of the river. This large modern home features luxurious interiors but also has fantastic outdoor areas.

What should be the appropriate solution when designing a modern and private house on an active street in a flood zone?

The C2 House occupies a unique spot at the bend of the Brisbane River, offering continuous river views. In response to this project, the house was designed as a sequence of 5 different spaces, each with its function but closely connected to one another through smooth transitions inside and outside the building.

The spaces begin with a sequential entrance via floating steps to an intimate outdoor pavilion open to the sky – a private place where you can sit by the fire or admire the stars. This space transitions into a spacious bright volume for living and dining – the heart and center of the house. The glass sliding doors that span the full width of the building open to a raised rear balcony, pool and spectacular river views.

Hidden from these active living spaces are the gallery and bedrooms, which frame the central outdoor pavilion along its side boundaries. These private spaces were designed flexibly to accommodate guests and grandchildren.

Privacy is paramount. Unlike neighboring houses, it was important for the house's external 'shell' to be able to close using multiple movable screens. In the evening, when the outer shell is closed, the inner center of the house remains illuminated – glowing light hints at active use inside.

Materials are limited but used playfully. Stone provides a common language that resonates in both interiors and exteriors. Spaces are defined by wooden elements and zinc, determining their edges, while Blackbutt timber ceilings add a sense of warmth and familiarity contrasted with the dark zinc finish.

This house was intentionally large but also deliberately simple to build. With minimal formwork, the post-tensioned floor allowed for large overhangs and flat ceilings. The house was built from blocks and conventional timber truss construction, which although covering a large area were deliberately simple in architectural presentation for quick erection.

The main advantage of this project was the team. The success of the project depends on harmonious collaboration between us and our client, as well as our passionate and hardworking crew of builders who were long-time friends of the client.

–Ellivo Architects