Exampler - Highgate Hill Residence by Richard Kirk Architects

Highgate Hill Residence was designed by Richard Kirk Architects. Richard Kirk Architects have situated the Highgate Hill Residence in the southern part of Brisbane, which is amongst a rich landscape environment.  

Environmental Filter

The Highgate Hill Residence is surrounded amongst a mature landscape which includes steep grounds that highlights the relations between interior and exterior spaces. According to the architect himself, he stated that, “as a result of the steepness of the site and the desire to connect the house to an outdoor ground plane the house adopts two distinct identities – the north (landscape) and east (street) is a diminutive floating single level volume hovering over fine steel pins – the south and west (distant views) the vertical and monumental character is revealed of the tall three level residence” (AIA, 2010). Towards the North and East, the upper level is used as a protective canopy as it hovers over the ground plane. Kirk uses fine vertical timber members as screens on the upper level to the street which the façade can be publicly viewed. Kirk has designed this Residence to adapt to its natural environment by building the house entirely of timber and also the use of timber glazed façade systems.

Container of Human Activities

The Highgate Hill Residence consists of several levels; the middle level being the most important one. The main entry into the house is via the street through the middle level; as you enter, there is a void that covers both the living and the dining spaces. Richard Kirk accentuates the stair feature and has described them to be the organizational reference between each level (AIA, 2008). Lower levels form the entertainment area including a media centre and a private guest room whereas the upper levels are where the bedrooms are. The Architect has optimized the use of open and practical living but not forgetting to incorporate privacy and intimacy requirements.

Delightful Experience

The most delightful experience of the Highgate Hill Residence is the materials used. The unique sensory experience combined with the structural elements creates this enjoyable experience. One of the walls of the residence unites glass and timber to create an unforgettable façade. By incorporating glass into the façade, it allows sunlight to be filtered through, highlighting the interior space with natural light. 


Reference
AIA (Australian Institute of Architects) (2010). Highgate Hill House. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=2008044732
AIA (Australian Institute of Architects) (2008). Highgate Hill House. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from http://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=2008044732