Concrete ideas
Raw materials left in their natural state and a novel approach to layout
are key elements in the design of this award-winning home
The phrase ‘form follows function’ has
been the mantra of modern architecture
for well over a century. And one of its
most celebrated proponents, American
architect Frank Lloyd Wright, takes this
principle even further – “... determining
form by way of the nature of materials...”
It’s an apt description of the approach
taken by architect Vaughn McQuarrie for
the design of this award-winning island
home.
“The owners really liked board-formed
concrete and concrete in general,” says
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McQuarrie. “They wanted surfaces in their
new home to have depth and texture, rather
than be flat, painted manicured ones.”
The owners also had some interesting
design influences that they wanted him to
consider.
“They asked for grand spaces and a
high stud,” he says. “They liked the vol-
umes you get in churches. Plus they were
quite keen on boatshed shapes.”
And because they entertain a lot, they
needed accommodation for guests to stay,
but wanted the guest area to be separated
off so that they had their own space too.
A relatively flat section at the northern,
street end of the long narrow site was the
natural position for the home. The site then
drops down to the south, giving views out
to the bay below.
An existing house and outbuildings
on the site were moved away – except for
one concrete outbuilding which the owners
asked to be retained.
McQuarrie says the starting points for
homes he designs include sun and views.
“I want to capture as much winter sun