Glenstrae.

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Close-up of a modern building with light wood siding, a large, rectangular window, and landscaped greenery in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
Modern house with wooden exterior, large windows, stone pathway, and landscaped green garden under a blue sky.
Modern two-story house with large windows and light-colored exterior, situated on a sloped street with a hillside filled with trees in the background.
Modern two-story house with a flat roof, large windows, and a minimalist design, surrounded by green trees and bushes.
A modern building with beige vertical siding, a black framed window projecting outward, and a black gutter against a clear blue sky.
Modern house with outdoor patio, dining area, and landscaped garden with stepping stones, trimmed bushes, and trees.
Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, a potted plant on the counter, and glassware on open shelves.
Modern living room with large windows, a mounted flat-screen TV, a black wood stove, a potted plant, and a white lounge chair.
A modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, a concrete countertop, and a built-in sink with a stainless steel faucet.
Modern kitchen with black cabinetry, a gray kitchen island with black stools, and a textured gray backsplash.
Modern bathroom with dark gray wall, round mirror, white vessel sink on a wooden vanity, bottle of soap, and a large potted green plant.
Modern black bathroom with a white bathtub, black tile walls and floor, black window shutters, a plant, and a white vessel sink on a dark wooden vanity.
A dark tiled bathroom wall with a black towel rack holding a green towel, a green plant, and a white bathtub in the corner.
A staircase with white walls and wooden steps leads down to a landing with a framed black-and-white abstract art piece on the wall, illuminated by natural light from a window at the top.
Modern building facade with wooden siding and a tall narrow window, with green plants in front and shadows cast on the wall.
Modern house with wooden exterior wall, slim vertical window reflecting the sky, and lush green plants and pathway in the foreground.
Modern open-concept living and dining area with large windows, wooden flooring, a dark wooden dining table with chairs, white sofas, a wall-mounted TV, and various potted plants, illuminated by natural light.
Modern living room with large windows, beige sectional sofa, black coffee table, and a fireplace, with outdoor greenery visible through the windows.
Modern multi-story house with white wood siding, three large windows, and a three-car garage, surrounded by landscaped yard and hillside with trees.
Modern house backyard with outdoor dining table and chairs, wooden deck, patio fireplace, and lush garden with trees during sunset.
Modern house with wooden siding, large window, potted plant, landscaped garden, and parking lot in the background, during sunset.

  • Glenstrae is situated in the beach suburb of Redcliffs. The sloped site offers stunning views of McCormacks Bay all the way to South New Brighton. The geotechnically challenging site provided some uncommon conditions which lead to a two-part split-level structure with an engineered control joint separation. It was desired that the striking views were to be embraced, whilst still retaining a private and cosy setting that was sympathetic to the character and landscape of the established area. 

    Our response was to design a simple and functional layout that was modest in size and featured a mix of rich contrasting materials, textures and forms. The lower floor is a utility level that consists of garaging, storage and the entry lobby and staircase. The modestly size 188m2 upper floor is the homes living space. Functional internal living and sleeping spaces camouflage seamlessly with the outdoor landscaped living, providing a highly usable and multi-faceted space.

  • Glenstrae works in conjunction with the natural landscape of the site. Large areas of rock have played a part in articulating the houses footprint on the site, and have allowed for a spacious level area of both external an internal living on the upper floor. Living, kitchen and dining spaces as well as all bedroom's, link to a carefully landscaped array of outdoor areas. This design tactic has allowed for the space to be used for a variety of different activities. 

    Energy efficiency was a significant brief requirement during the development phase of the design. 140mm external frames have allowed for a highly insulated thermal envelope, with glazing inset into the frame line, helping to bridge any thermal gaps caused by the aluminium joinery units. The setback windows also allow for the natural timber abodo cladding to wrap into the joinery, providing a seamless and aesthetic detail. Abodo cladding has been chosen as a sustainable option in the finish 'Sioo;x,' which is low maintenance and will allow the timber to weather off to a beautiful silvered appearance. 

    It was important the home reflected its surroundings and was sympathetic to the wider environment. A combination of natural coloured material choice and a low pitch sloped roofline has aided the amalgamation between the two. As well as feeling open to the street front, with windows and landscaping that help to merge the elements together, the view and north facing landscaped area also provide a calm and private living zone for the occupants.

  • The upper floor of Glenstrae is the heart of the home, offering a modest yet thoughtfully designed 188m² living space that blends seamlessly with the outdoors. Open-plan kitchen, living, and dining areas connect directly to landscaped terraces, creating a fluid transition between internal comfort and external functionality. Every bedroom and living zone has been oriented to maximise views and natural light, while the use of natural materials and warm textures ensures the interior remains cosy, private, and in harmony with its beachside surroundings.

  • Completed 2021
    Photography - Stephen Goodenough
    Crafted by - @haydendiehlbuilt