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.
Nichols House II
LOCATION + TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
The Palawa, Sandy Bay, Tasmania
CLIENT
Private
STATUS
Built (2017)
AWARDS
Not applicable
media
Not applicable
PHOTOGRAPHY
1+2 Architecture
Nichols House II is a contemporary home shaped by its steep suburban site, using the natural slope of the land to inform its form, materials and relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Cut deeply into the hillside, the house explores the sculptural qualities of brick through refined geometric forms and carefully crafted detailing. Its restrained material palette creates a distinctive architectural character while responding to the challenges of building within a closely settled residential neighbourhood.
KEY COLLABORATORS
+ Builder:
Peter Nichols
+ Structural Engineering:
Aldanmark Consulting Engineers
+ Building Surveyor:
+ Land Surveyor:
+ ESD Consultant:
RED Sustainability Consultants
+ Safety In Design Consultant:
Place
The steeply sloping site presented both opportunities and constraints. While its elevated position offered easterly views towards the river, the proximity of neighbouring houses required a careful approach to privacy, sunlight and outlook.
The building negotiates the slope by cutting into the land, establishing a close relationship between its form and the terrain. To the east, the house opens towards the distant views, while an enclosed private courtyard to the west provides a more sheltered outdoor setting.
Process
Brick was selected as a natural extension of the building's relationship with the land, valued for its earthy heaviness and sense of permanence. A simple white brick was chosen for its restrained colour, allowing the geometry of the building to take prominence while accentuating the play of light across its textured surfaces.
The main interior is conceived as an elevated platform, focused on the easterly river views while opening towards the private courtyard to the west. Windows are carefully positioned to capture sunlight and outlook while limiting overlooking from neighbouring properties to the north and south.
The linear quality of the main living space is reinforced by a timber-battened ceiling that runs towards the full-height windows. Timber ceilings and selected floors introduce warmth, contrasting with the white brick walls that extend from the exterior into much of the interior and establish a consistent architectural language throughout.
Impact
Nichols House II brings together a strong architectural expression with a carefully considered response to its setting. The relationship between the river-facing living spaces and the enclosed western courtyard creates contrasting experiences of openness and privacy within the home.
Awards + Jury Citation
