Edgars Creek House by Breathe Architecture

Overlooking sandstone cliffs and ironbark trees, Breathe Architecture have designed a sanctuary perched on the banks of Edgars Creek in Victoria’s Coburg North. The home is clad in natural materials and works its way around the trees, designed to recede into the picturesque bush. 

Making the AIDA, Houses Awards and Victorian Architecture Awards shortlist in 2020, Edgars Creek House respectfully responds to the sloped site while celebrating its surroundings.

Divided into three pavilions to preserve the existing mature gum trees, the living, bathing and bedroom zones are all accessible and linked through the central courtyard. Sustainability is at the forefront, with careful attention paid towards filtering the sun all year round. A Brise-soleil structure of grey ironbark posts frames the home, diffusing light and reducing heat gain.

A rammed earth wall shields the southern facade of the home; a nod to the creek’s sandstone cliffs below. Double-glazed sliding doors provide a constant feeling of connection the surrounds and unobstructed views of the creek. Recycled Tasmanian Oak floors form the base of the home, with the exception of the sunken living room, finished in textural grey stone from Eco Outdoor.

The bathroom comprises of a unique exposed plumbing system where brass and custom bent copper pipe combine with a simple tap. Instead of tiles, the wet areas consist of Australian Ironbark decking. Brodware tapware and a Messmate benchtop are integrated with a brass splashback in the kitchen to create an honest yet functional cooking space.

The home also delivers underneath the site, with two 5000 litre rainwater tanks, an electric heat pump and provisions for hydronic and rooftop solar panels underground.

Edgars Creek House by Breathe Architecture delicately blends into its landscape, through careful consideration of its creekside context and by prioritising sustainable, raw materials.