Dream Build

Link House (2x13)

Udgivelsesdato: Aug 04, 2013

Built on the site of the owner's childhood home, 'Link House' is house designed to last. Sited on a bay in Sydney's inner west, the house is designed to maximize the spectacular views of the bay, and is built as two forms with the living quarters separated from the sleeping quarters. This was an important part of the brief for this young and busy family who prioritise entertaining. These two main areas are joined by a glass link, spanning a central fish pond. The public space of the living area is housed in a glass pavilion using minimal structure and large glass folding doors which can be opened to bring the outside in. The pavilion is designed in the true sense of the word: surrounded by gardens, terraces and breezeways emphasising the bay environment, the sun, the air and the views. The design attempts to blur the boundary between the inside and the outside whilst maintaining a strong sense of distinction between privacy and openness. The sleeping quarters building is spread across 3 floors and includes bedrooms, a lounge for the kids and a media room. Construction methods and material selection were influenced not only by the architect, Renato D'Ettore but also its owners, who expressed a preference for low maintenance materials. The owners had seen one of Renato's earlier concrete houses and loved it. "We considered that concrete's extreme resilience, excellent thermal properties and its textural qualities were ideal for the design of the house," Renato D'Ettore says. Further, concrete allowed for a ready-made finish, largely eliminating the use of renders and paint, as well as giving the surface finishes an instant patina. Wall and floor finishes, such as polished concrete floors and unfilled honed travertine were selected for their durability and tactile qualities.