02. Kurrajong Residence

This project was a major renovation to an old fibro house in Kununurra. When the town of Kununurra was gazetted 60 years ago many of these fibro cottages were built by the government to house farm workers for the Ord River irrigation scheme. The houses were built without air-conditioning, and so whole walls full of shutters were designed to be opened up make the most of any breath of air movement for cooling. Over the years most of these shutters have been closed over or fixed shut as building occupants have become dependent on air-conditioning; but these fibro houses still retain the memories of a very different time - for a town that is only 60 years old, these fibro houses represent part of the town’s history.

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The owners were keen to retain the fabric and charm of the existing building, and the design allows the front façade to remain discreet and blend in with the streetscape. As you move through the house the design transitions from the existing façade through to the contrast of the dynamic new roof over the outdoor living deck sweeping up to take in views of the red rock escarpment and capture cooling breezes.

The entry to the house forms an art gallery as well as functioning as a transition zone between the front entry and outdoor living areas at the back of the house; and also a transition zone from living/dining to sleeping/washing areas.

 

The outdoor living and cooking space overlooks an inviting plunge pool; and when combined these features allow the owners to embrace outdoor living in this environment and reduce their air conditioning needs.