‘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.

simon laws: drew house 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.

simon laws: drew house australian hardwood timber louvers cap the circular facade of the living pavilion

simon laws: drew house deck connecting the living and bedroom pavilions

simon laws: drew house view of bedroom from the outside

simon laws: drew house deck connecting the pavilions

simon laws: drew house living room within the tubular building form

simon laws: drew house portal to living space

simon laws: drew house view of the operable timber louvers from the inside

simon laws: drew house (left) wooden louvers (right) bedroom

simon laws: drew house bedroom

simon laws: drew house bathroom with wooden louvers in the closed position

simon laws: drew house bathroom with wooden louvers in the open position

simon laws: drew house kitchen

simon laws: drew house living space + kitchen beyond

simon laws: drew house kitchen with access to the indoor and outdoor dining area

simon laws: drew house kitchen storage

simon laws: drew house illuminated at night

simon laws: drew house outdoor dining and living area

simon laws: drew house illuminated at night

simon laws: drew house approach and dwelling illuminated at night

simon laws: drew house bedroom pavilions at night

simon laws: drew house at night

simon laws: drew house sketch