Wirringulla
Resilient architecture for a remote bushland site
Site & setting
Wirringulla is tucked into the Ku-Ring Gai National Park in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Accessed only by water, the construction process has to follow a less conventional process of barging all construction materials in and out of the property.
Existing conditions
The original shack from the 30’s had been renovated in the 90’s but lacked a rational layout to the living spaces, had a poor connection to the backyard and lacked any form of insulation or access to natural light.
Passive design response
Given the location surrounded by trees and at the bottom of an escarpment, this house is an experiment in seeing how effective passive design principles can function under these difficult conditions.
Performance & systems
The house will be fully insulated and double glazed, small electric radiators will generate heat through winter rather than the original houses wood fireplace and a solar PV system will offset the electricity usage of the radiators.
Off-grid living
The property is entirely off-grid for water supply, sewer and depending on the energy generation of the PV system, may be ready to go off-grid for power once a battery is installed.
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Reworking an existing shack with a previously irrational layout
Improving connection between living spaces and the backyard
Addressing lack of natural light within a heavily treed site
Designing in response to a constrained site at the base of an escarpment
Using the project as an exploration of passive design in challenging conditions
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Fully insulated building envelope
Double glazing throughout
Use of small electric radiators for winter heating
Replacement of original wood fireplace
Solar PV system to offset electricity usage
Off-grid water and sewer systems
Potential to operate fully off-grid for power with future battery installation
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Architect Ironbark Architecture
Lead architect Chris Freeburn
Builder Renovation Solutions
Photography Kris Martyn
We'd love to chat to you about your project
Tell us about it or give Chris a call on 0416 130 246
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