Wurrungwuri

Wurrungwuri - the side of the river - sits at the junction of two rivers. The old sandstone homestead is the third house built on Louisa Road, and brings a more recent history and the heritage of colonisation. In a planning context it is a local heritage item. Old Meets New Bringing together new and old; old and new, is not an uncommon architectural approach. Carter Williamson, like countless architects, have followed this strategy many times. But Wurrungwuri feels different. Wurrungwuri sees a unified optimistic future and embraces this optimism with a crafted addition that respects the heritage of the sandstone cottage, and embraces the harbour site with a considered extension that looks to the river. Stepping in form as it falls towards the water. The public entry of the house is supported with a bright view to the harbour beyond. The view is pulled forward to cleave the form and separate the plan to house two private bedrooms. The journey towards the harbour light is celebrated by the enveloping spaces of the well courtyard and gallery to the grand dining room below. This home is about celebrating the joy of family life. A joy that is defined by the breaking of bread and drinking of wine. A celebration as joyous as the hosts themselves. A Home for Art Art was a strong anchor point to all our discussions with the clients. They are collectors. As we cut into the sandstone bedrock evocative images of MONA’s arrival space were discussed. An ode to that beautiful idea is the exposed sandstone cut that holds the stair and arrival space to the gallery floor. A gallery floor that spans between the sandstone cut and the Cabana. Generous terrace spaces open from rooms that suggest their use. Kitchen terraces for dining; cantilevered spaces for contemplation, pool terrace for the pool, and the garden for sitting around the fire. The roof terrace is the backyard reclaimed on the roof of the home. It provides the breeze and the prospect beyond wrapped in a rolling of garden curtilage. Sustainability Energy efficiency in a reasonably sized home is not only smart, but necessary. A sophisticated geothemral heat pump system that exchanges energy with the harbour water through titanium plates does all the heating and cooling of the home. Protected thermal mass, an insulated shell, controlled light and clever sun-shading; windows that can harness the sea breezes, all play their part in controlling energy use to minimise the active inputs. Wurrungwuri welcomes the river, acknowledges its past, showcases art, and celebrates family life.