Updated citation for winning project 2014 NT Architecture Awards. The Australian Institute of Architects Architecture Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses – New – Desert House

Please see below updated citation for above project in the NT Architecture Awards. There was a misprint in the Awards magazine.

Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses – New

Winning Project: Desert House

Architect: Dunn & Hillam Architect

Alice Springs is sighted in ancient landscape – the opportunity to design in response to this place is both a challenge and a potential delight for any architect.

Desert House was a respectful collaboration between long-term friends and a building project that sought to integrate environmental initiatives with architecture.

The house integrates directly with existing site benching. Entry is adjacent to the garage along a colonnade overlooking the garden. The entry room is a collage of uses. Cool air emanates from the lower level.

Upstairs is delightful; accommodation is arranged around a centralised northern courtyard. The freedom of the living space and connection with the courtyard and landscape are interactive and the physical space created by the architects, serving in part as an air movement strategy, is relaxing and moody.

Assimilating climatic management and creative architectural mood is a demanding preferential decision-making process. Many of the outcomes were reflective of the former consideration. The house prompted the jury to question the ‘character’ that is emerging in modern houses. The competent and mindful detailing was accompanied by bright, stark interiors in contrast to the desert surrounds.

Desert House was recognised for its journey toward a new outcome for inland Australia house type.