A Family Affair

CURTIN, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
A woman wearing a grey dress walking up the entry path to a blue door
 

A Family Affair is a home designed around the idea of a large multigenerational family unit. Large enough to allow different generations to live together and enjoy the different stages of life under the same roof, whilst zoned to allow the spaces to be closed down when not in use. The ideas all centred around how to provide generosity and intimacy regardless of how many of the family unit are in residence at any one time.

The design features a multi pavilion approach, with two large barn-like forms facing the sunny adjacent parkland. As the generous home replaced a far more modest dwelling, the forms were built using a restrained material pallet kept low on the site. Entry is through the space between the pavilions, with the southern pavilion housing children, grandparents, and auxiliary spaces such as garage and laundry, and the northern pavilion housing the main living spaces and primary bedroom. All spaces open to the garden, with sheltered outlook for privacy.

The heart of the home can be found where the family comes together, the chef’s kitchen, living and dining spaces, all flowing out to outdoor living and pool  with garden beyond.

The house achieves an impressive 8 stars NaTHERS rating, through the simple solar passive principals of orientation, thermal mass, insulation and high performing window design.

Builder: 360 Building Solutions

Photography: Kasey Funnell Photography

 
Entry vestibule with view to garden beyond
 
Living room with two way fireplace, swimming pool beyond, black windows and timber detailing
White kitchen with timber accents, light filled and feature clear glass pendant lighting
Solar passive family home, white brick and timber shading to black windows
Woman sits reading in living room with feature white brick fireplace and pool beyond
Window seats with blue velvet upholstery and timber accents, black windows and indoor planting