As a Environmental Filter

The intent of Murcutt is to engage the building with its specific site and climate, Yirkala, Northern Territory  being a tropical-monsoonal climate. This includes knowing what part of nature to let in and what to keep out.

The elongated sides of the house face to the north and south, allowing for maximum protection from the sun but also letting the building take advantage of the summer and winter breezes. As it is a hot-humid climate, the key method of regulating the thermal status is through ventilation. Aligned in the centre of the open roof are six chimneys that let escape any rising hot air collecting within the house, and help maintain internal pressure during a cyclone.

The absence of windows fills many requirements. The first being the cultural reasons of the client which will be examined later. The second is to abolish any unwanted greenhouse effects on the house or internal cumulative heat. In lieu of windows, Murcutt has used large doors that swing open from the top, that in turn offer shade and let through prevailing breezes and allow the house to be partially opened, completely opened or completely locked down.

The house is raised on stilts so the floor remains cool, has clearance from the insects and lets pass below any tidal surges to up to half a metre as it is located near a beach.

Image retrieved from: Beck, H. Cooper, J. (2002). “Glenn Murcutt: a singular architectural practice.” The images publishing group Pty Ltd, pp-141.

The house is constructed about a steel frame. This can be seen from the inside, as the walls carry no depth in order to establish a low thermal mass and are less likely to retain any heat. The few internal walls are made with plywood and the top swing doors around the outside are from Australian hardwoods. Timber boards upon exposed joists and bearers are used as a flooring system, and the roof is from corrugated sheet steel. Being in a region prone to cyclones the bathroom is reinforced to offer sanction in such a scenario.

Image retrieved from: James Taylor and Associates. (2008) “The Marika-Alderton House.” Available From:http://www.jamestaylorassociates.com.au/cgi-bin/cart/cat.cgi?display=5hd2p96d90&br=Special%20Projects Accessed 15/03/11

A solar panel can be seen from this photograph that expresses the house’ self-reliability.

Murcutt relies on nature to create a suitable living environment. Instead of locking out the elements and having to add devices to regulate the thermal status, the house engages with the elements of the site to offer comfort to its inhabitants.