Heaven on the hillside
CARVED into the side of Castle Hill, Stuart Street House blends seamlessly into its natural surrounds while maintaining an air of unsurpassed luxury and style.
Built for a professional local couple, the North Ward property is a showpiece of modern architectural design that encompasses the best of tropical living, low maintenance requirements and drought proof appeal.
Those features and more have seen this stunning hillside residence short- listed in the 2017 North Queensland Regional Architecture Award, with winners announced in Cairns tonight.
Outcrop Architecture architect Mark Kennedy, who designed the home, said the property was one of his proudest achievements.
“The owners are scientists from Canada and quite interested in the Aussie bush, so the native aspects of this location very much appealed,” Mr Kennedy said.
“They came to us with a very clear brief in regards to spaces and qualities of the homes that included low maintenance.
“As the property is very site specific, we decided to create a split level home where you only ever walk half a flight ( of stairs) before you get a view or something else to look at.
“The owners also wanted their master bedroom and main living spaces as high as they could to capture the views ( while) at entry level you will find an edgeless resort style pool and entertainment deck.”
Encompassing about 300sq m of living space, much attention has also been given to the home’s exterior appeal, including the creation of a natural rock garden.
“A lot of effort was also put into the colours as we wanted to create a home that related to the hill and fit in with the environment,” Mr Kennedy said.
“It’s quite an interesting develop- ment as it’s not really suburban despite its location.
“It doesn’t have your normal street frontage and fencing or neighbouring homes. It’s almost like it’s in the bush even though right behind the house in Castle Hill Rd which is walked by thousands of people every day.” The property is one of five short- listed in the awards which also include three university buildings and the Act for Kids Child and Family Centre of Excellence.
Winners will progress to the state and subsequent national awards later in the year.