Balaam Residence

The Balaam was completed in 2006 and is located in Hamilton. The house is in a built up urban area in a very public domain. The house was designed. The brief stated it had to “To design a family home that explored the opportunities within architecture” Says Shaun Lockyer, the architect engaged in the project from the firm Arkhefield.

A House is an Environmental Filter

The Balaam residence is set in a public realm that set the precedent for Arkhefield to design a sanctuary that would remove itself from the public spotlight. To do this the architects have designed walls that visually block the link with the street. This also assits with the reduction of accustics but primarily it is supposed to create a visual barrier.
Cross Flow Ventilation
Cross flow ventilation has been used to assist mechanical systems to cool the building. The stack affect has been utilised to allow this ventilation in, which is important in the Queensland climate.The use of louvered windows allows the house to be opened or closed up as desired according to the climatic conditions.

A house is A Container of Human Activities

The house provides a “sanctuary” for the residents by blocking the immediate connection with the street. The use of decked pool areas, and open-able living areas create views to the water and beyond which promotes the use of the area for entertainment. As the views extend past the street, the living areas have been raised to achieve this. By elevating the living areas, the architects have been able to not only utilise the views but enhance them, and give the house visual security to the street, without the public having the ability to see into the residence at ground level.

A House is A Delightful Experience

The house is a delightful experience right from the moment it is visible in the street. The house makes has a presence on the streetscape that is instantly recognisable and draws the public’s eye toward it, as if it were demanding attention. Inside the house, the intentional framing of views toward the water enthuse the inhabitants. The framing of views means that you are drawn toward the open breakout spaces to feel the space and look at the views.

Sources
www.architecture.com.au/awards
www.specifier.com.au/projects/residential/34917/Balaam-Residence.html