Simplicity that makes a bold statement, the off-form concrete was built by formwork specialists Luchetta, who utilised leading Australian timber and building supplier, Big River Group’s premium formply product, Armourform to provide the structure as well as serving as the finishing material. Big River’s Armourform F22 is a cost-effective formply with a high strength-to-weight ratio that can be used to achieve a high quality off-form finish and was instrumental in achieving the unique design character of the Culbara Street home.
Bringing a layer of softness to the solid concrete elements, Big River Group, supplied Abodo Vulcan timber battens, which were used extensively throughout the home. Selected for their sustainability, durability and stability, the high-performance timber profile was able to withstand the necessary performance requirements, internally and externally, as well as providing the desired aesthetic for the project.
Internally, the Abodowood was used as a feature shiplap cladding in the living room, upper ceilings and stairwell. “We selected the Abodo in a teak stain to offer a richer contrast to the solid cool elements like the concrete floors,” says Michael.
Externally, the Abodo battens were used on the entirety of the façade and assist in creating the clean form of the upper level. Operable timber batten screens were introduced strategically to exploit key aspects such as views onto the waterfront and to enable cross ventilation, a central feature of Brazilian modernist architecture whereby design elements respond to the climatic conditions.
“The battening provides a layered buffer to the upper-level planters and terraces, reduces the summer heat load, and provides privacy,” says Michael. “Combined with the use of breezeblocks and glass louvres the Abodo screens enable exceptional cross ventilation, minimising the need to use mechanical cooling. The battens also offer an alternate look depending on whether the screens are opened or closed.”
To accommodate the tropical climate of the area, which sees heavy coastal storms and harsh sun year-round, Culbara Street called for honest materials that provided longevity. “This ruled out the use of hardwoods which require constant re-coating, are prone to twisting and also tend to leach onto surfaces below,” remarked Michael. Instead, the use of a ‘sioo:x’ finish on the timber battens, a natural wood coating that provides a long-term weathered look and requires minimal recoating, was chosen. “Externally we were chasing a weathered ‘silvered off’ look so the ‘sioo:x’ finish, which ages to a beautiful patina, was a perfect accompaniment to the adjoining off-form concrete,” Michael says.
