QUARRY HILL RESIDENCE

Development of this small (229m2), steeply sloping site located close to central Bendigo focused on balancing the constraints of the site with the needs of its single occupant wishing to age in place without compromising the final design outcomes.

Wrapping around a central, north facing deck, the house has been developed across 3 levels and seeks to create separation between ‘public’ and ‘private’ spaces within a small footprint. Entry is at street level, with visitors passing below the Living area above before being taken up a flight of stairs and delivered directly in the heart of the home. Sliding doors and difference in floor levels allows occupants to control the degree to which the spaces can function either as a larger, semi-open plan space or to close off each space and allow them to function individually. From the living and dining rooms, the elevated position opens views out across Quarry Hill and Flora Hill.

Guest Bedroom and services spaces toward the rear of the mid-level are concealed behind a full height door situated adjacent open timber stairs leading to the Main Bedroom at the upper most level. Both access points have been intentionally designed to allude to the spaces beyond without explicitly inviting visitors to enter with first being invited.

Across the exterior, patterned screens are utilized, tying in different functional requirements, variously working to conceal elements such as a garage door within the wider facade, sliding or hinged shade screens and fixed visually screening to control views into neighbouring properties.

Builder: Franklin Walsh Builders

Photography: Leon Schoots Photography