Zaher Architects have delivered a stately new home that sits lightly on its site, engaging with its setting to combat harsh weather conditions whilst taking advantage of expansive hinterland views.

With over 20 years experience in design and architecture Zaher Architects latest project is the commanding Coorabell residence in the Hinterland of Byron Bay.

In the Coorabell residence, Sam Zaher’s clients brief him to deliver a contemporary home that would sit lightly on the land, avoiding ostentatiousness but offering “a welcoming approach.”

Due to its cliff-top location, the site was susceptible to wind from all directions, forming the principal design challenge for Zaher. In combating the environmental restraints without compromising on lifestyle for his client, Zaher set about creating two decks, each with equally impressive views, their placement though affording the resident’s the ability to escape the elements depending on the direction from which the wind was blowing – a wonderfully passive response to setting.

Incorporated into the final design were a range of sustainability and environmental considerations. Taking advantage of the exposed site, all living areas are aligned to be north-facing , addressing the expansive views and the abundance of natural light. Furthermore, solar panels were installed on the buildings roof which generate power for the house, with a series of batteries as cautionary back-up. In addition, the occasional rainfall is harvested in vast tanks to complement the house’s onsite waste system.

Zehar has designed the house with a basic U-shape, providing for his client a range of separate outdoor areas. Each space, thanks to its location, proving functional over the range of seasons of the year. Two north-facing decks become the primary, outdoor communal area in Winter months whilst the south-facing courtyard is suitable throughout Summer and offers better protection during windier periods.

Zaher Architects
zaherarchitects.com.au

Photography: Michael Nicholson
micnic.com.au