Kangaroo Island CLT House

Our European client’s brief specified using CLT as a primary construction material and a Czech architect who is expert at specifying this material. The result is an elevated home and detached guesthouse with expansive views across the calm waters of Island Beach. Simple geometry with recessed articulation plus natural colours and finishes sympathetically respond to the natural surroundings.

Envirotecture carried out site analysis and produced a site plan, which Pavel Horák at Prodesi Architects relied on to produce the concept design. Envirotecture’s team then did the bulk of the detailed design, including all documentation for consenting purposes, project managed the build and provided support to the construction team.

Envirotecture energy modelled the project using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) software to ensure energy efficiency, durability and comfortable year-round temperatures. A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (MVHR) ensures fresh, filtered air 24/7 no matter what the weather outside. Quality European doors and windows contribute to a high-performing building envelope that maintains a stable, comfortable indoor temperature. 

Prefabrication was a key benefit of CLT. The floor, wall and roof panels arrived via the ferry from the mainland. WIndows, plumbing and electrical connections and insulation were all installed on site. The panels are extremely quick to stand up and are inherently easier to make airtight. The exposed CLT creates beautiful interior linings. 

Envirotecture’s experience with rural and remote buildings was useful here: the property generates its own energy and harvests large amounts of rainwater. The site’s BAL-40 bushfire rating also needed to be taken into account at design stage.

We wish to highlight the contribution of our friend and colleague, the late Ron Selth. An extremely experienced structural engineer, Ron ably bridged the CLT factory’s requirements and the site’s particular conditions.