High Performance Home (Built by Enduro), Stoneyfell SA

Project Info

This site's latent conditions presented serious challenges to both the owners and the builders commissioned to make their client's dreams a reality. Designing a home on steeply graded land presented logistical and programmatic hurdles, including maximum height constraints, sub-floor clearances, and avoiding excessive excavation.

Harmonic Design* had to balance practicalities with aesthetic and functional requirements, such as vehicle access, controlling views to take advantage of the tree tops towards the northern aspect while avoiding overlooking neighboring properties, and arranging the living zones to be stacked without resulting in low ceilings.

The programmatic design brief was challenging to resolve because we had to provide access to a garage and front entry from the high point at the roadside while achieving access into the main living areas from the same level without cantilevering the whole building out beyond the existing 3m cliff edge at the top of the site.

Key Design Solutions:

• Split-Level Design: We proposed a split-level design with a central internal stair that rises up and lowers down into two separate building forms, essentially combining two stories under one roof and allowing the bulk and structure of the house to sit below the main street frontage.

• Primary and Secondary Living Areas: The primary living areas, kitchen, and deck rise above the entry level, with the secondary living spaces and bedrooms below the main upper level, reducing bulk from the street and conforming with planning requirements to ensure the maximum height wasn’t breached.

• Open-Plan Areas: Each of the open-plan areas overlooks trees and a sunken garden to the north. The placement of doors, windows, and their relationship to the balconies were all heavily considered, resulting in a clever mix of intimate yet broadly sweeping open-plan spaces.

This thoughtful design not only meets the clients' complex needs but also creates a harmonious living environment that maximises the site's natural beauty and functionality.

Scope of work:

• Building Design Documentation

• Interior Design (detailed layout, not material selections)

• Preliminary Budget Estimate by Enduro Builders

Construction Cost

• $950K + (Final cost unknown)

Duration of services:

• 4 months

Construction Timeframe:

• 12 months (Circa 2020)