Platypus Bend House is named after the elusive resident of the verdant creek that snakes through this quintessential Australian bush site of 35 acres. The existing clearing was the size of a football field and prone to occasional but significant flooding during seasonal tropical downpours.

© Alain Bouvier

Architects: Robinson Architects

Location: Sunshine Coast QLD, Australia

Area: 243.0 sqm

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: Alain Bouvier

Project Team: Jolyon Robinson, Jenna Hawting

Builder: Higher Living Constructions

Structural Engineer: Superior Garages Steel Contractors

© Alain Bouvier

From the architect. Platypus Bend House is named after the elusive resident of the verdant creek that snakes through this quintessential Australian bush site of 35 acres. The existing clearing was the size of a football field and prone to occasional but significant flooding during seasonal tropical downpours.
© Alain Bouvier

The house was raised entirely off the ground on steel struts. The resulting cantilever gives the house its characteristic floating effect. Entirely self-sustaining, water is collected in rainwater tanks and solar panels provide power.

© Alain Bouvier

Plan

© Alain Bouvier

Perforated steel lines the expansi...