simon laws: drew house

‘drew house’ by simon laws, gladstone, queensland, australia all images courtesy of simon laws

‘drew house’ by australian firm simon laws anthill construction is a single family dwelling within a town just south of gladstone, along the eastern queensland coast near the great barrier reef. two pavilions containing the living, bathing and sleeping areas create a luxury camping atmosphere. the separate entities allow privacy during family group activities. positioned amidst a landscape of bloodwoods and palms at a ridgetop, the residence responds to the family’s connection with sugar mill iconography. window frames and facade louvers are made from australian hardwood timber which has been naturally oiled for a minimal finish.

the components were constructed offsite in brisbane and transported approximately 500 kilometers in their completed state to minimize disturbance to the natural environment. the wooden decks and prefabricated roofs were assembled onsite, linking the different rooms to pass through outdoor dining and living areas. a canopy formed from aramax metal roof sheeting spans two mirrored hardwood truss frames forming a ribbed parabolic structure.

living pavilion

the home’s passive design is self sufficient with solar hot water and electrical panels as well as rainwater tanks and community water recycling systems which facilitate the family’s needs except for drinking and bathing.

australian hardwood timber louvers cap the circular facade of the living pavilion

deck connecting the living and bedroom pavilions

view of bedroom from the outside

deck connecting the pavilions

living room within the tubular building form

portal to living space

view of the operable timber louvers from the inside

(left) wooden louvers (right) bedroom

bedroom

bathroom with wooden louvers in the closed position

bathroom with wooden louvers in the open position

kitchen

living space + kitchen beyond

kitchen with access to the indoor and outdoor dining area

kitchen storage

illuminated at night

outdoor dining and living area

illuminated at night

approach and dwelling illuminated at night

bedroom pavilions at night

at night

sketch