INTRODUCTION
Practice: Harris Hobbs Landscapes
Location: Canberra
Rocky Knoll House was commissioned by the clients over 2005-7. The architect was Bruce Townsend, who was recommended to the clients by the landscape architects, who had previously designed the clients former residence (next door) in 1995.
The existing house was removed, and construction commenced in 2006. The brief for the house and garden was to deliver an environmentally sustainable solution for Canberra housing, incorporating passive solar principles, water harvesting and a small, though productive garden.
Special Factors
The project incorporates numerous environmental initiatives:
- 2nd class water is treated and dispersed to the front and side garden areas;
- Rain water is collected and waters the edible garden to the north of the block;
- Infiltration soaks return storm water to the front garden and to the Quercus street trees in Finniss Crescent.
- Pool isolation fencing method was developed to allow the pool to float as a rectangular form into the courtyard
- The garden is adapting to climate change – Plants not commonly successful in Canberra have been planted where conditions are milder during winter – Tristaniopsis laurina is planted as a grove by the front door, and Dendrobium kingianum has been planted by the water soaks and set into the trunks of tree ferns.
Design Excellence and Functional quality
- The projects demonstrates a new direction through demonstration of adaptation to climate change, how a well designed house and garden can assist in reducing heat load, maintain cross ventilation; and reduce fossil fuel use through limiting the need for heating and cooling
Response to AILA Landscape Principles
The project Value the existing landscape, and Intervenes with respect for the present
Relevance to the profession of landscape architecture, the public, and the education of future practitioners
- The project is relevant to the profession in formative, forward-looking and thought-provoking ways through climate change adaptation measures, providing a liveable, low energy use house and garden within suburban Canberra.
introduction / overview / location / presentation / Projects
2010
