Kurrajong House
An earth-sheltered family residence by Baldwin O’Bryan Architects. Embedded in the landscape, the home leverages thermal mass, low exposure and robust detailing for comfort and resilience in Australia’s demanding climate.
Design Intent
Kurrajong House is conceived as a quiet, durable retreat that belongs to its site. The building is formed by reinforced concrete vaults set into planted berms, reducing exposure to wind, ember attack and radiant heat while providing generous, day-lit interiors. The long, low profile follows contours to minimise cut and fill and visually disappear into the slope.
Primary living spaces open to protected courtyards for year-round usability. Services and storage are pushed into the earth to maximise thermal stability and reduce acoustic transmission. Structure and envelope are combined — the concrete shells are both the architecture and the performance layer.
Performance & Sustainability
- Thermal mass moderates daily temperature swings, reducing active conditioning.
- Green roof improves insulation, manages stormwater and restores habitat.
- Cross-ventilation via courtyards and high-level vents purges heat overnight.
- Selective glazing captures winter sun; deep reveals shade in summer.
- Low-maintenance finishes: off-form concrete, aluminium, mineral coatings.
Bushfire & Storm Resilience
The earth-sheltered form and non-combustible materials are designed to meet BAL-FZ intent where required: reduced exposed elevations, ember-proof detailing, toughened glazing behind shutters, and protected egress to a safe outdoor refuge.
Detail & Construction
The vault geometry offers exceptional strength with material efficiency. A continuous membrane and insulated build-up above the shells prevents interstitial condensation, while drainage mats and root-resistant layers manage the green roof. Internally, the mineral seal keeps concrete breathable and easy to maintain. Joinery, acoustic panels and warm timber floors temper the robust envelope.
