Mount Whitsunday Residence
Mount Whitsunday Residence // 2016 AIA Queensland Architecture Awards, Central Queensland Regional Commendation
Set atop the north facing side of Mt Whitsunday, the site affords spectacular views, very steep terrain and a foreboding exposure to cyclonic storms of the highest danger category.
Juggling the two parameters of views and structural robustness, the house design evolved as a heavy, rigid concrete frame anchored into the mountain. A long, narrow plan shape hugs the contours and connects the variation in site levels.
The two distinct structures of Garage /Service/Storage and Dwelling are connected via an outdoor stair and bridge that lace together the opposed forms. The roofs are separated as if conjoined twins with their opposing pitches naturally directing the mountain air–flow over the structures. The nesting forms create an intimate entry landscape that contrasts the mountain edge expansive view that awaits after entering the home.
Transition into the house dramatically reveals a narrow stair canyon that views through full height frameless glass to the Whitsunday splendour.
