Access to natural light is so important, yet often overlooked. With thoughtful design, your home can be light and bright year-round. This new home in Willoughby, designed by Hobbs Jamieson Architecture is designed to maximise winter sun, ensuring it feels bright and welcoming even in the coldest months...
"This project involved the construction of a new single level family home", explains the architect. "The building was approved under the complying development code and was designed and constructed within 18 months."
Upon entry, you immediately get a sense of the light. Timber ceilings are rich and textural, stepping down and drawing you towards the rear.
The main problem with the desire for natural light in the home was its orientation. North is to the street, meaning balancing privacy and light would be a challenge. The solution is two central courtyards which ensure light can reach the living area at the rear of the home and the main bedroom suite. The courtyards create numerous outdoor spaces to enjoy and ensure the home feels connected to light and the outdoors at every turn.
Another clever solution is placing an alfresco area at the front of the home where you'd normally find bedrooms or a study. With a brick screen, the alfresco area is protected from the street, while still allowing dappled light and breezes in. With access from the entry hall and central courtyard, the alfresco space is a welcoming, yet casual space for the family to enjoy.
The main courtyard features a pool reflecting rippling light into the living space and opening seamlessly onto the alfresco area.
A dramatic cathedral ceiling in the living area maximises the amount of light that can shine in, while overhangs are designed to limit the amount of summer sun.
Bold use of colour in the kitchen and bathrooms plus whimsical touches like the circular window and arched openings create a fun and surprising home which is a joy to live in.
Focussing on solutions to orient this design towards the sun in spite of its challenging site have created a home full of personality as well as light. Glimpses through to courtyards and new outdoor spaces mean the home enjoys the full width and breadth of its site and an abundance of outdoor spaces. It shows that even with a poorly oriented block, you can create a home full of light. All it takes is a bit of creative thinking.
