Edgehill, Far North Queensland
To the west, the area remains predominantly residential, providing a tranquil backdrop for this small, six-townhouse development.
In the context of tropical Queensland, where air conditioning is not utilized, the design prioritizes passive design principles and renewable energy integration, aligning with the advanced environmentally sustainable objectives outlined in the QDesign Manual. Each townhouse is meticulously oriented to maximize cross-ventilation, with operable windows on opposite sides to ensure continuous airflow throughout the living spaces.
Generous outdoor terraces on the ground floor offer shaded areas that help cool the interiors, while expansive overhangs and external sun shading protect the upper-level bedrooms from direct sunlight, especially on the western façade. This approach not only enhances thermal comfort but also minimizes energy consumption.
The architectural expression draws from the tropical Queenslander vernacular, employing lightweight materials like weatherboards and natural elements such as decorative batten screens and varied sunscreens. These features not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also serve functional purposes, reflecting the region’s climatic demands. Additionally, a light-colored or reflective roofing material has been selected to reduce solar heat gain, further enhancing the building’s environmental performance and aligning with sustainable design principles.
Client
Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works
Year
Current
Value
2.5M
Services
Architecture