insite: base camp chewton

‘base camp chewton’ by insite in victoria, australia all images courtesy insite image © ben glezer

melbourne-based architecture practice insite has shared with us images of ‘base camp chewton’, a single-level weekend house located on the edge of the great dividing range in victoria, australia. resting on a naturally inclined site surrounded by trees, the design features a slight cantilever to the east which elongates the form towards the view below.

exterior view image © ben glezer

simple and rectangular in plan, the overall form of the dwelling carves out a series of oblique angles in its profile. the asymmetrical butterfly roof collects rainwater for greywater use as well as solar energy to heat water. conceived to openly interact with the nature of the site, the northern elevation is defined by a flexible strip of sliding steel screens that serve as an interface between the interior and exterior. the inhabitants have complete control over the level of privacy in addition to the quality of the microclimate within. 

approach image © ben glezer

alternative entrance image © ben glezer

cantilevered balcony space image © ben glezer

metal screens closed image © ben glezer

metal screens opened image © ben glezer

metal screen partially opened image © ben glezer

arranged in a linear fashion, the ‘one room wide’ layout is compact yet multi-functional with spaces that can adapt to a specific use: a japanese-style ‘tatami lounge’ serves as the buffer room between the living space and bedrooms. spilling on to a sheltered veranda area, the lounge can extend the activities of the dwelling out into the open.

from balcony image © ben glezer

view from interior image © ben glezer

tatami lounge image © ben glezer

kitchen image © ben glezer

bedroom image © ben glezer

image © ben glezer

site plan

floor plan

section

north elevation – no screens shown

north elevation – screens in half open position

north elevation – screens in closed position