Wollumbin House, Byron Bay House, Australian Real Estate Architecture, NSW Project, Photos
Wollumbin House in Byron Bay
12 Aug 2022
Design: Harley Graham Architects
Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Photos: Andy MacPherson Studio
Wollumbin House, New South Wales
Faced with the challenge of a highly constrained site, Wollumbin House is a project that embraces solitude and sanctuary in the confines of a suburban context. Anchored on a steep west facing site the project acts as a vantage point to enjoy views of the caldera and Wollumbin (Mount Warning) to the west and glimpses of the Pacific ocean to the north.

The design speaks to the harshness of the east coast environment; a dark and robust exterior material palette that endures relentless salt filled northerlies. Operable western facade systems control the harsh afternoon sun while allowing expansive views across the hinterland; the upper level has a series of fabric screens hidden in the soffit, while the mid level relies on aluminium strut panels that can be adjusted to a variety of angles.
The steep nature of the site resulted in a layered building of suspended concrete platforms that stacked the program over three levels. In an effort to mitigate the overall scale of the building the relationship to surrounding landscape was an integral design component; whether it is framing a view, suspending among the trees or providing moments of respite and connection to ground.

One of the initial design drive...