MATHER Architecture Pty Ltd

Curtin Ridge Residence

Canberra, 2011

The architectural philosophy centred on creating a spacious home that integrated with and responded to the elevated, sloping site overlooking the iconic views of Canberra across the Woden Valley to Parliament House and Black Mountain. Due to accessibility requirements, the residence was to be primarily single level, but not appear as such. The central, linear lap pool acts as a focal point and controlling element of the design which delivers a northern aspect for all the main living and sleeping areas while maximising the views across the valley. The tapering front balcony adds a visual dynamism to the front elevation which provides a spacious outdoor living space at the southern end and a more private space adjacent to the master bedroom to the north. The hovering verandah further enhances the visual expression of the building, complementing the balcony slicing underneath. The juxtaposition of cantilevering architectural elements and bold axial relationships complement the crisp, contemporary quality of the fixtures, fittings and finishes of the interior. The building incorporates environmentally sustainable initiatives including cross flow ventilation, double glazing LED and compact fluorescent lighting, rainwater toilet flushing and irrigation, engineered plantation timber structural framing, recycled concrete walls and a recycled hardwood timber column.