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HILL PLAIN HOUSE

6th January 2014

What better way to start 2014 on Copperline than with one of my favourite houses. If you follow this blog you’ll probably know that, in terms of architecture, I lean towards simplicity and natural materials – projects such as Haus Am Moor and C/Z House pretty much exemplify this ideal for me.

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So it’s no surprise that I’ve loved this house since I laid eyes on it. Completed in 2010 in Victoria, Australia, and designed by Wolveridge Architects, Hill Plain House picked up three awards at the 2011 Australian Interior Design Awards, including the Premier Award, and has been hailed for its sustainable design. The first time I clocked this house was with the top image above – no doubt on another blog – as that timber block wall just jumped out from the screen. What a wonderfully tactile feature.

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Taking their cue from traditional barn structures, the architects and the owner specified a natural palette of materials including recycled timber combined with concrete and steel. ArchDaily described the approach in their post as ‘An attempt to create an ‘australianess’ with a rugged exterior, characterized by a palette of natural materials, (and) a sense of craftsmanship…’

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The main living area is located centrally and features large sliding glazed doors that open up the north and south elevations. The dark interior draws the eye outside to the views, further enhancing the building’s connection to the landscape.

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The house is tucked behind a small rise on this hilltop site, protecting it from the winter winds, while its orientation grants maximum exposure to the winter sun while sheltering the interior from the intense summer sun on the west and east sides.

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This off-grid home also features integrated water, heating and solar electrical systems, ensuring its self-sufficiency. To be honest, I never tire of looking at this house. It feels so perfectly integrated within its landscape.

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For more on Hill Plain House, see this post on ArchDaily. Photography by Wolveridge Architects. Additional information from InHabitat.