Hawthorne

Project name: Hawthorne residence

Category: Residential

Location: 188 Virginia Avenue, Hawthorne Qld
Architect: Towill Design Group
Structural engineer: Hyder Consulting
Builder: PBS Building
Bricklayer: Tomas Developments

Brick manufacturer: Austral Bricks
Product: Bowral Blue

Project description:

This innovative family home is sited on a compact (405 square metre) inner-city block that carries a number of mature existing trees and allows excellent solar exposure along the 34 metre northern (side) boundary. The neighbourhood character is an eclectic blend of traditional Queenslanders and modern designs.

The architect describes the building as an "eclectic mix of materials." The steel and timber structure carries extensive glazing that maximises internal light and allows the residents to maintain their connection with the outdoors from every room. A motorised moveable awning shades the one-and-a-half-storey-high northern face from summer heat and rain. In winter, the polished exposed aggregate concrete floor slab captures the warmth of the low sun.

The brickwork is laid in a mock English garden-wall bond, with every fourth course laid as headers. This adds a textual interest and randomness that contrasts with the regular rhythm of a conventional stretcher bond. A soldier course of brickwork decorates the extensive window heads and the double garage entrance. The interior features two face-brick walls, maintaining the internal-external connection by allowing the materiality to be visible whether indoors or out.

Building commenced in July 2010 and the family took possession in February 2011.