LOCATION: Alfred Cove, Western Australia

PROJECT TYPE/SERVICES: Affordable Residential / Single House / Partial service concept design.

FLOOR AREA: 250 square metres

PROJECT COST ESTIMATE: $780,000

Designed as an affordable solar passive home for a north facing lot in Alfred Cove this home has open plan living, 3 bedrooms, theatre and double garage.

The open plan living, dining and kitchen area opens onto a covered patio deck with adjustable louvre roofing that provides shade in summer and allows sunlight in winter.

A beautiful landscaped north facing courtyard is created by separating the house and double garage with plenty of space for a swimming pool.

A materials palette of honed concrete floors, concrete soffits, white painted brickwork, recycled brickwork, timber screens and stair details give this design a warm modernist feel throughout.

As with all Mike Edwards Architecture projects, basic passive and solar design principles are taken into account from design inception. Considerable care is taken to optimise northern exposure and minimise eastern and western exposure to prevent undue solar gain in summer and take advantage of northern sun in winter. Suitable orientation and solar protection is integral.

Window and door openings are designed to facilitate flow-through and cross-ventilation as well as providing low-e glass and double glazing where required.

Appropriate specifications, material selection and building insulation is provided to more than adequately meet building code energy requirements.