Eco-Review "To Act And To Think Green": Earth House / Jolson Architecture Interiors

By Andrew Rosenberg

Architects: Jolson Architecture Interiors / Stephen Jolson, Adam Muggleton, Bianca Winter

Location: Victoria, Australia

Builder: Crest Building Co.

Structural Engineer: Burns Hamilton & Partners Pty Ltd

Landscape Consultant: Matoba Landscape Consultants Pty Ltd

Project area: 465 sqm

Photographs: Scott Newett, Earl Carter

Earth House is a 465 sqm 4 bedroom residence. With integrated landscaped garden on a 97-acre property in coastal Victoria, this holistic architectural project blurs the line between architecture, interior, landscape and furniture design. Careful consideration is made to site and context to ensure the house contributes to the rural characteristics of the area from all exterior and interior vantage points. Sightlines from adjoining properties and roads were an influencing component to the master planning.

floor plan

Constructed primarily in rammed earth using local Dromana crushed rock, this split- level house seemingly rises from the landscape and cranks to capture the sweeping rural and coastal panoramic views. Individual modules containing each living zone; lounge & dining, bedrooms & bathrooms, study & kitchen, are interconnected via a feature corridor; ‘a disappearing street’ which facilitates the transition between modules, a subtle play between lightness, darkness, and dramatic framed views.

The western elevation consists of solid rammed earth walls without penetrations, designed as thermal banks capturing the afternoon sun. The eastern elevation is glazed to siphon dominant views inside. Designed around a large enclosed courtyard that provides protection from the strong winds, this outdoor room allows northern sunlight to filter into the main living areas. Separated from the main house by the courtyard is a self-contained sleeping and living zone, connected to the main house by a glazed link that can slide open to integrate the wet-edge pool and associated deck. The deck area and swimming pool becomes the pool fence, by elevating this level as a viewing platform.