If you enjoy looking at homes designed by some of the best architects in Australia, the winners at the recent South Australian Architecture Awards are worth checking out.
As part of a national awards program run by the Australian Institute of Architects, Spinifex House by Khab Architects won the John S Chappel Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New) at a presentation held virtually on July 2.
Here honest, tactile materials, efficient planning and connection to context offer a rich and cohesive living environment that captures the casual, relaxed feel of a holiday house.
Spinifex House is exemplary for Adelaide's metro coast.
Sitting in a prominent beach-side streetscape in Adelaide's west, typically dominated by bulky, larger houses, the judges found the home unexpected and well-considered.
Overshadowed by taller neighbours, buffeted by sea breezes and scorched by setting sun, the new house rises to all these challenges with an understated response that is a restrained and tasteful revisit of the modern Australian shack aesthetic.
Another home to check out is Outside [the] Box by Troppo Architects and the winner of the John Schenk Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions).
Found opposite a school with imposing drop offs-and-pickups, rework began with a limestone streetwall and privacy extended by timber-battening.
This is now a light-filled home, immersed in its garden. A flick-of-a-roof beyond draws visitors (Oz-style) to the back; the villa remains whole, still well-defined up-front.