The
David Reid Homes Baja SHOWHOME© at Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast has been recognised at the 2007 Queensland Regional Design Awards. In the face of stiff competition from some of the biggest names in the business, the ultra chic ‘smart home’ inspired by project manager Graham Molineux and designed by Tim Christopher was announced as winner in the important Sunshine Coast Project & Spec Homes over 351sqm category.
Tim was there on the night to add the award to his growing list of industry accolades. “In 2005 we won in a similar category for a much loved David Reid SHOWHOME© at Peregian Springs, so it’s fantastic to go back-toback with this win,” he said.
The Baja is a bold, beautiful minimalist style canal-front residence which incorporates some amazing home automation features that can be activated remotely via mobile phone. It’s a home that leaves behind the heavy set ‘rendered box’ architectural style commonly seen along the canals of the Sunshine Coast.
“The Baja floats,” said Tim. “The floor-to-ceiling glass walled mezzanine actually sits over the pool on a suspended concrete slab. You might say we’ve taken open plan living to the next level.”
“The effect is light and airy, with the eyes constantly drawn towards the broad expanse of water at the edge of the property. Essentially, the Baja is all about open plan living and complements our beautiful coastal environment, with all of the important interior and exterior spaces facing north towards the canal,” said Tim.
In designing the Baja, Tim was determined to create a modern environmentally responsible home that was energy efficient without the form of the building being compromised by practical considerations.
“The north and east facing glass expanses on the mezzanine level are shaded by the vast roof overhang in summer, yet exposed to the warming winter sun,” explains Tim. “This serves to keep the home at a comfortable temperature without relying on the ducted air conditioning.”
To further reduce the carbon load of the design, the Baja home incorporates UV block tinted glass. In addition, there are high set louvres upstairs to facilitate a natural breezeway effect through the home. Independent consultants have placed the Baja in the four to four-and-half star energy-rating zone, which is well above the minimum requirement.
“The house can even save your skin,” said Tim. “Of the several thousand people to inspect the Baja, it’s interesting how many have commented positively on the fact the mezzanine room acts as a sunshade over much of the pool in summer.”
24-Dec-2007