1+2 Architecture acknowledges the Palawa people as the traditional custodians of lutruwita, the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. We are committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
Ian + Jean's House
LOCATION + TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
The Palawa, Blackmans Bay, Tasmania
CLIENT
Ian + Jean
STATUS
Built (2007)
AWARDS
2008 AIA - Residential - New (Commendation)
media
Not applicable
PHOTOGRAPHY
Designed for Ian and Jean, this substantial family home makes the most of its position overlooking Blackmans Bay, balancing privacy with a strong connection to the surrounding coastal landscape.
The architectural response is a long, low dwelling carefully integrated into its steep site. Its considered arrangement of spaces creates a comfortable setting for family life, balancing moments of enclosure with openness to the landscape.
KEY COLLABORATORS
+ Builder:
+ Structural / Hydraulics Engineering:
+ Electrical / Mechanical Engineering:
Kingston & Associates
+ Landscape Architect:
Susan Small Landscape Architects
+ Building Surveyor:
+ Quantity Surveyor:
Stehel Consultants
Place
The house occupies a steep suburban block, with views across Blackmans Bay towards the distant hills. The terrain, orientation and proximity of neighbouring homes presented a distinctive set of considerations for the design, alongside the opportunity to make the most of the site's coastal outlook.
Process
From the street, a simple façade is punctuated by a colourful entry door and a projecting canopy that extends overhead, marking the entrance. Once inside, the stairs and canopy draw the eye towards the living area and deck, which extend beyond the slope towards the water.
Full-height glazing at the end of the living space frames views of the sea and distant hills, while the adjoining deck opens to the side to take in the wider sweep of Blackmans Bay.
Further back, the living area extends into the hillside, creating a deeper, more enclosed interior that offers a sense of retreat from the expansive coastal setting. This progression between sheltered and open spaces is central to the experience of the home.
The design process was also characterised by close collaboration with Ian and Jean, who were living outside Tasmania until construction commenced. Regular communication, sketches, models and site references helped them remain involved in decisions throughout the project, while careful consideration was given to materials, products and detailing.
“The processes employed by 1+2 that impressed and made for a successful outcome were:
1. Initial discussion and their ability to listen closely to the clients requirements.
2. Brainstorming sessions within their team to pool the best suggestions available.
3. Rapid response with client feedback in notes, sketches, model and site references. This was vital as we were not resident in Tas during the process till construction.
4. Excellent record keeping during the whole 4 stages particularly the contract admin phase where accuracy and timeliness on variations, claims and payments is paramount.
5. A willingness to listen to the client even when our suggestions were "way out".
6. The level of detail that was explored in selecting products and materials.
7. A high degree of honesty in dealing with consultants suppliers, builder and client.
8. A good level 1+2's cost to the client with portion of the fees being fixed price.
9. Lastly and importantly, a high degree of enthusiasm for their work and our project giving us as clients both confidence and mutual ownership of the design.”
Ian and Jean — The Owners
Impact
For Ian and Jean, the project was shaped by a collaborative design process that allowed them to remain closely involved despite living interstate during the design stages.
Their reflections highlight the importance of communication, attention to detail and a shared commitment to the project. Together, these helped establish the confidence and trust needed to develop a home around their requirements.
Awards + Jury Citation
AIA – Residential - New (Commendation) 2008
“The architects were faced with a long, narrow steep block and an overbearing conglomeration of suburban houses which hemmed in the site, while a spectacular view lay below the slope. The solution was simple but effective: cut out the neighbours and enhance the experience of the view.
In contrast to the surrounding houses, Ian & Jean’s presents a plain façade to the street with a colourful door and a canopy that sails overhead and projects down, inviting entrance and exploration. On entrance, stairs and the canopy direct the attention down to a deck and living area projecting beyond the slope. The fully glazed end to the living area captures a view of the sea and distant hills. Opening to the side, the deck takes in the sweep of Blackmans Bay. The living area slides back into the hillside forming a deep and enclosed space, a relief and counterpoint to the expansive setting.
The architects have skilfully managed a context of contrasts and found a solution that in resolving the problem of privacy from overlooking neighbours has accentuated the experience of the magnificent setting.”
