Sydney Australia – Jorge Hrdina Architects
Year built: 2010
Photography: Brett Boardman
The appropriately named Lilypad House is the work of Australian studio Jorge Hrdina Architects. The design objective had two primary purposes in mind – total wheelchair accessibility and to provide the owners with a “sanctuary from typical suburban consolidation”.
The twin lilypads are freestanding, designed to anchor the two ends of the house. Each spans more than 13 metres providing a unique appearance no matter the angle from which the home is viewed. The design wraps itself around a garden courtyard allowing the indoors and outdoors to become one.
This house is made up of more than 70% timber, with timber used extensively in the structure, cladding and internal finishes. Timber was specified rather than concrete both for the softer effect and the cost efficiencies achievable with wood.
Timber is obvious everywhere – in the portal frame, the LVL bearers, joists and roof members, the treated pine frames, cedar cladding, cedar windows, the decks and in the kitchen. Then there is the gorgeous blackbutt flooring, which is laid over insulated yellow tongue.
Curved elements were introduced into the design to achieve a free flow feel. These include curved windows, glass and cladding.
The end effect is completed by two lilypad like structures. The internal unit forms the centre piece of the living area and is supported on a circle steel ring beam. The second lilypad is the free standing carport structure which also acts as a portico.
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If you liked this home, you will also like viewing The Nautilus House…
