Located in Queensland, Australia, the Stamp House designed by Charles Wright Architects is an off-the-grid home that can withstand category 5 cyclones, and therefore classified as a cyclone shelter. The building is siting over an engineered water ecosystem which was the result of lengthy liaison & collaboration with National Parks, Environmental Agencies, State and Local Government.
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
Situated on a 26 hectares of beach front land in the Daintree, the concrete structure is cantilevered over the edge of the lake, and is accessible through a bridge. The residence was not only designed to withstand powerful forces of nature, but also prevent water coming in from common floods in the area.
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
By way of siting a cantilevered cyclone proof structure over an engineered water eco-system, we were intent on enhancing the sites natural wetland attributes & beauty. From the outset, we had a clear vision for the project as reflected in water with the rainforest, mountains and sky.
– Charles Wright Architects
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
Beyond the structural challenges faced, the architects developed a flexible open plan that includes living, entertaining, dining, recreation and swimming. These flexible living areas oscillate around the central pool and landscaped courtyard, complemented with cascading waterfall features which further provides an evaporative cooling effect to both levels in the drier months. Situated on the wings of the house, the bedrooms were designed to provide unique views, as well as privacy.
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
We liked the idea that the concrete over time will age well and feature a ‘patina’ further enhancing its sense of place in the sited environment.
– Charles Wright Architects
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
The house was designed to be completely off-the-grid, powered by a rooftop solar system. The entire roof area is harvested into a 250,000 litre in-ground water tank integrated with all hydraulic systems. All energy is renewable, provided by the large photovoltaic array & battery storage, off-setting the use of air-conditioning and LED lighting.
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
The home also includes an on-site advanced tertiary sewerage treatment plant, as well as irrigation. The concrete structure is ideal for the location due to its inherent long life cycle efficiency and material properties to deal with the harsh, corrosive wet tropical environment.
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
Image © Patrick Bingham-Hall
Facts:
Architects: Charles Wright Architects
Location: Queensland, Australia
Architect in Charge: Charles Wright
Project Team: Charles Wright, Richard Blight, Justine Wright, Darcy Shapcott
Year: 2013
Structural Engineering: G&A Consultants Pty Ltd
Civil Engineering: McPherson MacLean Wargon Chapman
Hydraulics: Gilboy Hydraulic Solutions
Electrical & Mechanical Engineering: MGF Consultants
Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend
Landscape Architect: Andrew Prowse
Contractor: PD Builders
Photography: Patrick Bingham-Hall
*All images and information courtesy of World Architecture Festival.
