Queenscliff Residence by John Wardle Architects

Queenscliff Residence was designed by John Wardle Architects.

Queenscliff Residence by John Wardle Architects

“This accomplished house acts as an optical instrument. It presents and juxtaposes a series of devices that frame views beyond the abutting foreshore toward the entrance of the bay. A significant promenade through the house takes you from the street, along a gently stepped path, to the entry stair, where you are sufficiently elevated to appreciate the view as you arrive at the uppermost level. The experience on entry is private and cocooned from the exterior. Views expand and are focussed on the horizon of the ocean to the south. Materiality and adjacencies amplify the careful choreography with fine timber detailing, woven wicker and Calacatta marble in the kitchen. A challenge for Victorian coastal houses is to reconcile the southern views with northern solar orientation. In this instance, a courtyard is introduced to gain northern aspect to the living spaces and to capture the afternoon sun within an environment shielded from strong southerly winds. The principal bedroom is oriented south, stealing ocean views through the glazed main living pavilion and across the courtyard. Spotted Gum is used in a variety of applications. The Australian hardwood is detailed as cladding, decking, screens and sunshades and provides a uniform quality and colour to the exterior shell.”