CROFTHOUSE | BY JAMES STOCKWELL

The south coast of Victoria in Australia is the place where you can find Crofthouse, designed by Australian architect James Stockwell. The owner of the house had several requests, which made this product more difficult in the beginning, and which makes it more outstanding now that it is completed.

The house is positioned in such a way that it gives a great opportunity for a great view of coastal landscape. However, these vistas are often accompanied by winds, and the owner wanted the opportunity to enjoy the view, but also be sheltered. Additionally, the house needed to be a part of the outstanding landscape. And James Stockwell has done it.

The shape of the house is reminiscent of sand dunes, with its back put up against the wind. These dune-shaped walls feature a number of shielded terraces, at least one of which is bound to be protected from the winds.

The garden is formed in the middle of the arch, created by the shape of the house. As a contrast to the area, the outside walls are covered in grey zinc which, combined with the shape, makes the house very easy to take care of.

The inside seems open and bathed in daylight. The warm feeling is emphasized by the warped timber of the frame and ash panels that cover the interior. The bedrooms and the bathroom at the south side of the house are divided from the huge living room by panels made of compressed sand.

The central part of the house is reserved for the stove which, together with perfectly insulated walls, makes the house easy to heat and cool. In case the residents require more heat, there is also a ground-sourced heat pump.

The architect managed to create the house that respects the surrounding nature, but also bravely boasts its own integrity, never succumbing to the natural forces. The house is practical, and fully functional, but still rather unusual. We feel that it is very original, but its oddest features are completely purposeful, so we give it a thumbs up.

What do you think?

[via Dezeen]