Gully House

Introduction

Gully House is located in Yeronga, situated on the Brisbane River. The project was completed in 2004, and was designed by architects Bligh Voller Neild. The owners are a couple who love to collect art works and antique furniture.

The site

The site is small, and has a number of significant trees and dense sub tropical vegetation. In addition to this, a gully lies on the site which serves to drain stormwater to the river. The site is also subject to flooding.


The design

The site constraints and modest budget had a large impact on the design. BVN have lifted the living areas well above the ground to avoid it being flooded, and addressed the issue of the trees by having 3 floors to minimise the building’s footprint.


Ventilation

The design incorporates a large number of operable windows and louvers and promotes cross flow ventilation. The tall and thin form of the building allows for air to enter low in the building and be dispersed higher in the building. This is using the stack effect to cool the building.

A House Is an Environmental Filter

The house acts like an environmental filter by the use of large bifolding doors that open out from the living area onto a large deck. The deck provides a barrier from the harsh Queensland environment. It uses dense sub tropical vegetation to filter the prevailing winds and create a lively environment by attracting wildlife of all kinds. The bifold doors allow the occupants to open and close them as they please which gives them control over how much ventilation they allow in. BVN has used a large number of operable louvered windows to allow a cross ventilation through the house in addition to the bi folding doors.
The canopies of the surrounding existing trees not only shade the roof from the harsh rays of the midday sun, but shade the deck area and assist in keeping the house cool.

A House is A Container of Human Activities

The multi levelled design used by BVN was designed to allow the existing trees to co- exist with the house and reduce the house’s footprint and maximise the views. This also segregates living areas to bedrooms and the provision for the car. This allows the users to use the space in various ways whilst having as little impact on people in other areas of the house as possible. The living area is open plan, and still allows interaction between not only people but the outside environment, via the large windows and operable louvers and bi fold doors. The deck outside allows for living to spill out into the outside area in the form of outdoor entertaining and alfresco dining.

A House is A Delightful Experience

The transition through the various levels and spaces in the house make it interesting from the point of view of somebody walking through. The raked ceiling in the middle floor living area lead the eye up, to which point it is evident of the level above. This creates a sense of curiosity and naturally the upper levels will want to be explored.
The use of cross ventilation makes for a comfortable climate inside the house whilst minimising the need for HVAC systems.