Lawson House
Location | Lawson, ACT Date completed | June 2016
EER | 8.1 stars Area | 116m²
Builder | 35 Degrees Images | LightStudies
Awards | 2017 Sustainability Awards, Single Dwelling New - Finalist
A tiny oasis amongst the McMansions
These down-sizer's came to us seeking a fresh start and a new lifestyle. They had purchased a very small block in the new suburb of Lawson, and wanted an energy efficient, space efficient home that would retain some backyard and provide them with a comfortable place to retire in.
Having designed similar homes before using our Modular design system, we were able to quickly develop a concept, and take them to visit similar completed homes. Although the block had a very narrow northern frontage to the rear, we were still able to achieve a home that performs at an impressive 8.1 stars EER, and provides a sunfilled northern outlook to the main living area, and spare sitting room.
“Our brief to Sarah was to design a house with clean, simple, well designed spaces that are light and airy. We wanted a thermally comfortable, energy efficient, and low maintenance house, as well as good quality fittings, materials, and build. Our house has achieved all of that and more. We couldn’t be happier”
Flexibility is key when designing a small footprint home. The open plan living area allows the dining and lounge areas to ‘borrow’ space from one another. The bedroom features double sliding doors that allow it to open up to the hallway and adjacent study nook, creating a large light-filled space that can easily be closed for privacy if there are visitors. A guest ‘bedroom’ is thought of as more of a sun filled flexible room, perfect for reading, craft, or a visitor. Tricks such a raked ceilings, higher doorways and windows, soft pelmet lighting, and integrated joinery mean that this 116m² home feels spacious and airy.
Affordability was addressed by focusing on space effectiveness and simple materials. Common clay bricks and charcoal metal cladding, a simple carport, and plain white joinery all contribute to a modest, timeless, cost effective home.
On a street in Lawson, surrounded by a street of McMansions with no backyard, this little house is a peaceful retreat. Juxtaposed with vast power guzzling statement ‘caves’ beside it, we’re proud of this modest, comfortable, light filled home and the quality of life it affords its inhabitants.
Key features
1 bed + multi-room, 1 living, 1 bath
330m² sloping site with north to the rear
Single carport
Designed for a retiree lifestyle: low maintenance, ease of circulation, and comfortable
Raked ceiling and pelmet lighting
Flexible combined bedroom/study or separate spaces
Floor finishes: bamboo and tiles
Living space connects to the north facing outdoor patio
Tailored to the site and designed to our client's brief and budget using our Light House Modular approach
Sustainability
High performance PVC double glazing
Ceiling fans and cross ventilation are the only forms of cooling needed
R1 insulated slab
R2.5 insulation to exterior walls
R1.5 insulation to interior walls
R5 insulation to the roof space
Vapour permeable building wrap to walls and roof
Minimal air leakage, well sealed building envelope (8 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals)
Solar hot water
5,000L water tank plumbed to garden taps, toilets and laundry
Built in provision for future installation of solar PV