Kyneton House, image courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects

Australian architectural practice Marcus O’Reilly Architects has designed the Kyneton house located on a leafy well established street in Kyneton, Victoria, Australia.

A central spine between the two roofs splits the house into public and private functions and visually connects the entrance of the home to the sculptural forms of the rear garden.

Marcus O’Reilly Architects

+ Project description courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects

Design With A Spine

This single story house is located on a leafy well established street in Kyneton. While appropriately scaled for the neighbourhood it is a variation on the local typology. Whereas the typical suburban model of a distinct front yard and back yard is the norm in the area, this design focuses the house to a generous north facing outdoor room.

Kyneton House, image courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects

Stretching east to west across the site, the dynamic double skillion roofs provide ample northern light into every room in the house. A central spine between the two roofs splits the house into public and private functions and visually connects the entrance of the home to the sculptural forms of the rear garden.

Kyneton House, image courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects

A thickened wall with deep niches for the display of art and random artefacts heightens the experience of passing along the central circulation.

Kyneton House, image courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects

Years ago, the client and Marcus O’Reilly shared a furniture workshop and the pair have collaborated extensively in the past. The longstanding working relationship between the two led to a very smooth, efficient and effective construction process, where both client and Architect were consistently on the same page. The clients ease in understanding the design intent allowed time to focus on more intimate detailing such as the fine tapering of the roof eaves, the pocketing doors and exterior cladding systems.

The home was beautifully put together by the client, who brought his cabinet making sensibility to the intricately coordinated construction of the home.

The residence’s thermal performance is exceptional due to ample thermal mass to the south, double glazed windows to the north, long eaves, and a subfloor airspace to stabilize the diurnal range. A screened water tank in the front of the property, harvesting rainwater from the roofs, provides water for the toilets, laundry and garden.

Kyneton House - Ground floor plan, drawing courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects

+ Project credits / data

Architect: Marcus O’Reilly Architects
Project: Kyneton house
Location: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia
Photography: Dianna Snape

+ All images and drawings courtesy of Marcus O’Reilly Architects