When building a forever home, it’s important to invest in a sustainable design that is climate-responsive and versatile to suit an ever-evolving and aging family. That was the key brief for Sky House designed by Marra and Yeh Architects.
A family of five wanted to consolidate adjoining terraces in Redfern, NSW, to create a contemporary, flexible family home that would accommodate their changing family for the next 20 years. They were particular about making sure the building materials were sustainable, understanding where they had come from and how they had been processed and envisioning a home that was both water- and energy-efficient, with a design that acclimatized to the seasons while maximizing natural light.
“Inspiration always comes from the people who will inhabit the project,” says Carol Marra, Director of Marra and Yeh Architects. “The whole design is an unusual feature, the way the house is calibrated to climate and environment is not normally found in terrace houses. The internal atrium and sky window opens the heart of the house to the outdoors and connects occupants to nature on a daily basis.”
Marra and Yeh’s approach to sustainability combines environmental performance, regenerative design and climatic adaptability.
In keeping with sustainability objectives, Big River Group was engaged as its leading timber supplier in the use of Armourply, Armourtread, Armourpanel and Armourform. This unique range of decorative plywood products is manufactured using local, sustainable timbers that provide both structural and aesthetic attributes and have the versatility and strength to be used for finishes, joinery and furniture. “The family took great care in all materials used in their dream home and this is why the use of Big River products was crucial in the process.”
Made from spotted gum timber species, these strong, high-quality plywoods have a tolerance to changes in ambient temperatures, and the durability and resilience of the hardwood veneers make them suitable for flooring, ceiling or wall linings in hard-wearing areas.
“Marra and Yeh Architects [is] a valued partner, and we were thrilled to work on such an innovative project,” said Stuart McGonagle, national plywood and specialty manager at Big River Group.
Sky House transforms the Sydney terrace house typology into an aesthetically ambitious yet comfortable and functional family home, creating a unique connection with the elements of nature.
