The project experienced some challenges along the way however the result is a pavilion designed to have excellent natural light and ventilation using Breezway Altair Louvre Windows. By installing louvres up high as clerestory windows between the stepped rooves allows huge amounts of natural light and hot built-up air to escape quickly and be replaced with cool refreshing breezes through lower-level louvres.

Considerable care was needed to deal with the moisture on site. The team at Latemore Design worked together with their engineer and builder to fix the issue and egress this into the lane. The site was therefore somewhat soft and used a waffle pod slab to obtain enough height to match the existing cottage.

At the rear of this project is a generous shed for two cars and a workshop. It was deliberately finished in dark steel to make it recede and form a nice backdrop to the courtyard.

Overall the property is not large in size but has a generous feel due to the design of high ceilings, some raked. This total transformation of the property, from a tiny cottage to a generous but compact home has exceeded all expectations.

Building Designer: Latemore Design
Town Planner: Peta Charles
Surveyor: Gateway Surveys
Structural Engineer: ADStructure
Certifier: BA&A
Builder: Mick McConnell
Photographer: Jose Figlioli

The cabins are a love letter to the bush and appear like a cluster of treehouses that blend into their environment – in part thanks to the earthy colour palette of the window and door frames. A large tilt door extends out from the bedroom, creating an uninterrupted outlook to the surrounding gum trees. In the warmer months, the door can be left open all night; it’s a luxury spin on sleeping under the stars.

Through close collaboration with A&L, Spicers selected a combination of fixed rake and Breezway Louvre Windows, which allow fresh air to flow into the living spaces and add a sense of texture and substance with their bold, designer profiles. Clear glass louvres with black frames bring light into the front of the cabins and elevate the earthier tones, while the Western Red Cedar louvre blades in the bedrooms strike a balance between privacy and ventilation.

Spicers commitment to sustainability meant they oversaw the entire production process from beginning to end. A zero-waste policy was introduced for both on and offsite practices. “It was to the point that we wouldn’t accept any products if the packaging couldn’t be recycled,” Luke said.

Energy efficiency was a major priority for the cabins to run effectively off-grid and with a low environmental impact. The Great Dividing Range area is chilly in winter and warm in summer, so the buildings are well insulated to maintain a steady temperature. Every window was fitted with inline reveals, which provide a higher insulation standard than regular windows, helping to reduce the need for excess heating and cooling. “It’s quite revolutionary, and a lot of windows from around the world are heading this way,” Luke tells us.
“Just by changing the location of where the reveal sits to the aluminium frame means they transfer less energy from the inside to the outside and vice versa during the life of the window.”

Spicers Retreats eco-camp cabins show us that engaging with sustainable construction doesn’t mean sacrificing beautiful design. It’s quite the opposite. By letting nature drive their decision-making process, Spicers have shown us that something quite extraordinary can be achieved. Luke echoes this sentiment. “Spicers are particularly forward-thinking, and they’re not arrogant enough to think that their retreats will exist forever,” he says. “They know that there’s a limited lease, and they know that there’s a limited opportunity to promote the great natural asset we have.”

Client: Spicers Retreats
Architect: Luke Rowlinson Architects co-designed with Jim Gall Architect
Builder: Polyform Construction
Window & Door Supplier: A&L

This two-storey design features four bedrooms, two with ensuites and walk in robes, living rooms on the ground and upper floors, connected by a featured staircase at the entry. The home also has an outdoor pool, a large covered alfresco area and private garden courtyard.

With multiple Breezway Louvre Windows throughout the design, breezes can flow in from the east to the west, and north to south while also using the staircase as a funnel to remove stale air from the home, reducing the reliance on mechanical ventilation.

This light and air flooded home has one of Buderim’s best aspects and is within walking distance to the local village.

Building Designer: Adrian Ramsay Design House
Tel: 0490 547 960
Email: studio@ardesignhouse.com
Website: www.ardesignhouse.com