Abundance of Concrete and Endless Comfort

Abundance of Concrete and Endless Comfort

This 341 square meter private house was designed by Auhaus Architecture studio in the resort town of Torquay, Australia, for a client working with concrete. The abundance of this material on the site is intended to highlight all its merits and drawbacks. Architects left surfaces untreated, combining them with natural deciduous wood, making the house warm and welcoming.

The layout of interior spaces is simple. Upon entering the house, a double-height gallery opens up, glazed toward the central inner courtyard. A study is designed nearby, and further along the corridor leading to the living room and kitchen, two bedrooms with bathrooms are located. On the second floor above the day zone, a main bedroom block with a bathroom and wardrobe is built.

Passive thermal regulation principles are used to stabilize the indoor microclimate in the residence all year round. Roof gardens create a thermal blanket over the house, and they are irrigated from a subterranean tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters installed under the northern inner courtyard. The materials used require minimal maintenance and were chosen for their durability.