Recent News
Model development of a new off-grid house in the Blue Mountains
Modelling of a new off-grid house in the Blue Mountains draws geometric reference from the clients’ love of the abstract formal qualities of early modernist houses by Charles Gwathmey and Myron Goldfinger.
Durable materials enable it to meet the design performance required of a BAL FZ high bushfire attack level, inclusive of a fireproof concrete base, low carbon fibre-cement cladding, pre-finished metal cladding, fire-rated thermally efficient double glazing, external horizontally-sliding metal mesh screens and vertically-retractable motorised screens as fire barriers. It proposes several off-grid measures including a solar system for power generation, 20,000 litres of underground water storage, under-floor heating, a small wood fire, and a heat recovery system to duct warm fresh air heated by exhaust air as needed.
Christopher Polly Architect included in Archello’s 25 Best Architecture Firms in Sydney
Archello has published the “25 Best Architecture Firms in Sydney” and it’s a great thrill and privilege for my practice to have been selected for inclusion amongst a stellar group of architecture practices producing great work in Sydney. Many thanks to the editorial team and writer at Archello for the recognition.
Sketch designs prepared for a new off-grid house in the Blue Mountains
Sketch design concepts have been prepared for a new off-grid house in the Blue Mountains region west of Sydney. Based on an efficient 4m x 3.8m structural grid, the design option pin-wheels a series private and public rooms around a central courtyard to provide a modest internal floor area of 100 sqm with a low environmental footprint of only 129 sqm on the site.
It enables strong connections to its surrounding landscape and vast views of the escarpment and mountains beyond, while also allowing its entire envelope to be fully 'shut down' when unoccupied. A robust low maintenance palette of materials provide long term durability and make reference to the various grey and silver tones of the eucalypt and angophora trees on site.