As featured on Australia By Design
The North Avoca Studio is located in the highest point of a steep site, tucked under a low retaining wall and obscured by hedging. Its placement on site didn’t exactly line up with planning rules – its a great example of a project that required an alternate solution for a better project outcome on the site.
Its a space for meditation, for work, for entertaining and relaxation.
It is tucked into just the right place to allow both a level of obscurity from above and an incredible view of the Pacific.
Difficult geotechnical conditions required substantial footings – clever design ensures a minimum of these footings and a reduction in cost by splitting the load into 2 x paths down a cluster of piloti to the ground.
Floor to Ceiling, Wall to Wall Sliding Glass doors paired with a simple interior fit out ensures that the view is the hero.
Elegant detailing and superior craftsmanship ensure that the view looking up as you approach the studio is as good as the view from the top.
Jurors Comments – Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
“The North Avoca Studio utilises steel throughout in a range of components including the structural steel framing, steel piloti, external staircase, awnings and cladding.
The use of steel fulfils both a structural and aesthetic function and is highly successful in both of these regards. Through the use of the Spandek cladding on both the walls and soffit, the cantilevered form appears as a monolithic form, rather than components, exemplifying the surreal quality of the hovering cube.”
Jurors Comments – Commendation for Small Project Architecture
“Positioned behind an existing split-level home, the North Avoca Studio is almost invisible when viewed from the street, receding from visual prominence.
Outside the back door of the existing home, the cantilevered structure set upon a double cluster of steel piloti is a moment to behold. The cubic form appears to hover above the steep site and allows the landscape to seamlessly continue underneath, capturing views from under and within the space.
A simple open plan space accommodates functions for use both as an office space and a space for meditation. The room is wrapped on three sides by a white curtain, set in a concealed bulkhead detail, which when closed makes the space feel like a floating cloud.
This studio project is ambitious both in its response to the site and the technical detail required to achieve its vision within tight site constraints.”
Australia By Design Season 5 Trailer
Australia By Design Season 5: North Avoca Studio