Graham Gaunt

View of the rear extension showing the bi-folding doors opening up to create a flowing space between the inside and outside. The raised beds and steps help frame the garden space and the sunny terrace all summer long.

Rear extension.

unser kleines, schwarzes Einfamilienhaus wurde im Zuge des Umbaus eines ganzen Bauernhofes verwirklicht.

Wyndham Beach House is the only Architecture house within Werribee South that has an attic floor. This attic floor brings the beautiful calming Wyndham Harbour view into the home. From the outside, it features cantilever and C-shaped Architecture form. Internally, full height doors with full height windows throughout instantly amplify the space. On the other hand, P-50 shadow-line all over give a fine touch to every corner. The highlight of this house laid on its floating stairs. Our Architect works intensively with the structural engineer in creating these stairs. Visually, each stair erected with only one side supported by tiny timber batten. They float from the ground floor right up to the attic floor, a total strand of 6.6m. Our Architect believes the good shall not be restrained inside the building. Hence, he reveals these stunning floating stairs from inside to outside through the continuous levels of full height windows. Overall, the design of the beach house is well articulated with material selection and placement. Thus, enhancing the various elements within the entire building.

Introducing Our Latest Masterpiece – The Hideaway Retreat - 7 Locke Crescent East Fremantle Open Times- see our website When it comes to seeing potential in a building project there are few specialists more adept at putting it all together than Andre and the team at Empire Building Company. We invite you to come on in and view just what attention to detail looks like. During a visit we can outline for you why we selected this block of land, our response to it from a design perspective and the completed outcome a double storey elegantly crafted residence focussing on the likely occupiers needs and lifestyle. In today’s market place the more flexible a home is in form and function the more desirable it will be to live in. This has the dual effect of enhancing lifestyle for its occupants and making the home desirable to a broad market at time of sale and in so doing preserving value. “From the street the home has a bold presence. Once you step inside, the interior has been designed to have a calming retreat feel to accommodate a modern family, executive or retiring couple or even a family considering having their ageing parents move in.” Andre Malecky A hallmark of this home, not uncommon when developing in a residential infill location is the clever integration of engineering solutions to the home’s construction. At Empire we revel in this type of construction and design challenged situations and we go to extraordinary lengths to get the solution that best fits budget, timeliness and living amenity. In this home our solution was to employ a two-level strategic geometric design with a specifically engineered cantilevered roof that provides essential amenity but serves to accentuate the façade. Whilst the best solution for this home was to demolish and build brand new, this is not always the case. At Empire we have extensive experience is working with clients in renovating their existing home and transforming it into their dream home. This home was strategically positioned to maximise available views, northern exposure and natural light into the residence. Energy Efficiency has been considered for the end user by introduction of double-glazed windows, Velux roof window, insulated roof panels, ceiling and wall insulation, solar panels and even comes with a 3Ph electric car charge point in the opulently tiled garage. Some of the latest user-friendly automation, electronics and appliances will also make the living experience very satisfying. We invite you to view our latest show home and to discuss with us your current living challenges and aspirations. Being a custom boutique builder, we assess your situation, the block, the current structure and look for ways to maximise the full potential of the location, topography and design brief.

Exterior - Front Entry Beach House at Avoca Beach by Architecture Saville Isaacs Project Summary Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The interpretation of experiencing life at the beach in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off a circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. The interiors reinforce architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun.   Project Description Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The house is designed to maximise the spectacular Avoca beachfront location with a variety of indoor and outdoor rooms in which to experience different aspects of beachside living. Client brief: home to accommodate a small family yet expandable to accommodate multiple guest configurations, varying levels of privacy, scale and interaction. A home which responds to its environment both functionally and aesthetically, with a preference for raw, natural and robust materials. Maximise connection – visual and physical – to beach. The response was a series of operable spaces relating in succession, maintaining focus/connection, to the beach. The public spaces have been designed as series of indoor/outdoor pavilions. Courtyards treated as outdoor rooms, creating ambiguity and blurring the distinction between inside and out. A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. Verandah is final transition space to beach: enclosable in winter; completely open in summer. This project seeks to demonstrates that focusing on the interrelationship with the surrounding environment, the volumetric quality and light enhanced sculpted open spaces, as well as the tactile quality of the materials, there is no need to showcase expensive finishes and create aesthetic gymnastics. The design avoids fashion and instead works with the timeless elements of materiality, space, volume and light, seeking to achieve a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Focus is on the tactile quality of the materials: a consistent palette of concrete, raw recycled grey ironbark, steel and natural stone. Materials selections are raw, robust, low maintenance and recyclable. Light, natural and artificial, is used to sculpt the space and accentuate textural qualities of materials. Passive climatic design strategies (orientation, winter solar penetration, screening/shading, thermal mass and cross ventilation) result in stable indoor temperatures, requiring minimal use of heating and cooling. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Accommodation is naturally ventilated by eastern sea breezes, but sheltered from harsh afternoon winds. Both bore and rainwater are harvested for reuse. Low VOC and non-toxic materials and finishes, hydronic floor heating and ventilation ensure a healthy indoor environment. Project was the outcome of extensive collaboration with client, specialist consultants (including coastal erosion) and the builder. The interpretation of experiencing life by the sea in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of the pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. The interior design has been an extension of the architectural intent, reinforcing architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum capacity. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/

Rear extension, photo by David Butler

Beach Front Elevation of Bayt Jullanar on Jumeirah Beach Road promenade, Dubai.

The rustic rural look is achieved by selecting quintessentially Australian materials such as an iron roof, weatherboard classing, raw stone and exposed concreted floors inside & out. A combination of cement rendered and gyprock walls softens the more pronounced materials to provide balance and a homely finish.

Neubau / Einfamilienhaus / Landkreis Rosenheim / PROJEKT J.S.K.T. Nach intensiver Vorbereitungszeit und variantenreicher Entwurfsphase entstand dieses architektonische Einfamilienhaus am Ortsrand in Thansau der Gemeinde Rohrdorf. Wunsch des Bauherrn war eine kubische Flachdachvilla mit Vor- und Rücksprüngen, die für Dynamik und Maßstabslosigkeit sorgen. Wir begrüßten diese Haltung und sorgten dafür, dass diese Elemente auch eine Funktion erhielten. Die Herausforderung war, die Wünsche des Bauherrn, den vorgegebenen Budgetrahmen, die Architektur sowie den konventionellen Bebauungsplan für ein oberbayerisches allgemeines Wohngebiet (WA) in Einklang zu bringen. Das Ergebnis zeigt, dass traditionell gestaltete B-Pläne durchaus Möglichkeiten für gute Architektur bieten. Aus dem gewünschten Flachdach wurde baurechtlich motiviert ein gleichschenkeliges Satteldach, das im Innenraum durchaus Vorzüge bietet (z.B. eine Schlafgalerie im Kinderzimmer im Dachspitz, sowie mehr Luftraum in den restlichen Obergeschoss-Räumen). Formgebende Vorsprünge wurden in einem ortstypischen Vordachmaß realisiert. Diese Vorsprünge dienen neben der Skulpturenbildung als Vordächer, Regen- und Sonnenschutz sowie als eine Art Pergola für die großzügige West-Terrasse. Diese Maßnahme vergrößert das räumliche Empfinden im Innenraum. Unterstützt wird dieser Eindruck auch durch das „Ineinanderübergehen“ des Wohnbereichs mit der Terrasse. Die Grenzen von Innen und Außen verschwinden – Außen ist Innen und Innen ist Außen. Um den skulpturalen Eindruck zu verstärken zeigt sich das Gebäude mit einem kontrastreichen, zweifärbigen Farbanstrich. Der architektonische Fassadenanspruch setzt sich im Inneren fort. Eine auskragende Stahl-Faltwerk-Treppe verbindet Skulptur und Funktion, sowie die Geschosse. Multifunktionsmöbel ersetzen Raumtrennwände. Der Küche-, Ess- und Terrassenbereich zeigt sich gemütlich, aufgeräumt und detaildurchdacht und lässt viel Platz für Persönliches. Der tiefer liegende Wohnbereich erinnert an eine Art Koje und eignet sich bestens als Rückzugsort zum Wohlfühlen. Das Obergeschoss strukturiert sich in einen Eltern- und einen Kinderbereich. Die Fassadenöffnungen leiten sich funktional ab. Richtung Nachbarbebauung sind die Öffnungen äußerst dosiert eingesetzt. Richtung Süden und Westen offenbart das Grundstück sein Potential – nämlich den unverbaubaren Bergblick. Was für unsere Architektur bedeutete, das Gebäude Richtung Bergblick maximal zu öffnen und somit die Natur mit dem Wohnraum zu verweben. Um die gestalterischen und funktionalen Ansprüche auch in Hinblick auf das Budget realisieren zu können, wählten wir für die Konstruktion eine Holz-Massiv-Bauweise. Diese spart Konstruktionsflächen und erhöht somit die Wohnfläche – höhere Spannweiten werden bei geringem Konstruktionsvolumen erreicht. Außerdem erlaubt diese – im Gegensatz zur Massivbauweise mit Ziegel und Stahlbeton – Bauteile von innen nach außen zu führen und geht mit einem geringen Dämm- und Abdichtungsaufwand einher. Des Weiteren bietet diese Konstruktionsart einen erhöhten Wärmeschutz bei nur geringen Schalleinbußen sowie eine schnellere Rohbauerstellung (durch Verbauen von vorgefertigten Elementen), kürzere Austrocknungszeiten und dadurch eine kürzere Bauzeit. Bei diesem Bauprojekt verkürzte sich die Bauzeit im Vergleich zur Ziegel-Massiv-Bauweise um ca. 3 Monate. Nicht zuletzt konnten wir durch die Holz-Massiv-Bauweise die Geschossdeckenstärke kompakter halten und erzielten somit höhere Wohnräume. Architektonisch hervorzuheben ist bei der Holz-Massiv-Bauweise außerdem, dass durch die innenseitige Trockenbauverkleidung bereits mit dem Rohbau sämtliche Wände eben und glatt sind. Mittels einer Q3-Spachtelung entsteht eine äußerst hochwertige Endoberfläche die im Vergleich zu einem Ziegelhaus mit gespachtelter Endoberfläche nur einen Bruchteil kostet. Bei einem Haus mit innenarchitektonischem Anspruch hat ein toleranzenger Rohbau Priorität. Jedes Anschlussgewerk kann nur so toleranzgetreu arbeiten wie das Vorgewerk es zulässt (z.B. beim Einbau von Blockzargen mit Schattenfugen, sockelloser Fußbodenanschluss etc.).

Haris Kenjar Photography and Design