Melbourne-based Australian architectural studio Edition Office has designed Hawthorn House in Victoria, Australia. The house features two arched structural concrete shrouds linked by a walkway and a courtyard garden. Ground floor formal and informal living spaces are separated into two pavilions connected by a north-facing garden and courtyard. Sleeping and bathing spaces are located on the first floor, set in from the concrete shell, creating space for private courtyards. The rough-sawn formwork timber boards used for the concrete shell are reused for the perimeter fencing.
The architects recessed the glazing behind the concrete shell on the northern facade, allowing the low winter sun to heat the house in winter and shield it from heat in the summer. The thermal mass of the concrete walls, along with underfloor heated concrete floors, helps regulate the internal climate. Cross ventilation helps to cool the building, and an elevated rooftop houses a solar pool heating system and photovoltaic panels. Edition Office
