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