Date: 1974 to 1975, expanded in 1980
Architect: Glenn Murcutt
It is originally designed for a client, but
later Murcutt bought it for himself and
expanded on the original plan.
It is constructed of simple, readily
available materials.
Timber from a nearby sawmill form the
framing and the walls.
of air through the living space.
The roof is ordinary corrugated metal.
Wide eaves provide cooling shelter from
the sun.
Site conditions
- Location: in the marshy farmlands of
Kempsey Australia, northern coastal
NSW
- Sits in near-flat ground above a
marshy sub-tropical flood plain,
surrounded by the lush vegetation of
woods and grasslands.
- The Maria River runs at some distance
along the west side of the property,
while the east side is bordered by a
dam.
- Natural air movement limited; extreme
rainfall and humidity in the summer
- Contribute to a site that desperately
requires maximum ventilation in
summer, sun penetration in winter
- The abundant vegetation that grows
on the property also serves as shelter
for many species such as insects and
snakes. The house should perform in
such a way as to eliminate the comfort
hazard such intruders can pose.