Grandview Terrace

Grandview Terrace, Earlville
Large family home built on a difficult site.

The owner had initial design ideas and Beachcomber Building Solutions PL produced final designs, engineering and drafting. The house is currently under construction and due for completion in late 2008. Beachcomber Building Solutions PL, are accredited Greensmart Professionals (HIA), professional structural engineers and chartered surveyors. The design required Cairns Regional Council planning approval as it exceeded the height allowable for a residential house and this was secured by Beachcomber Building Solutions PL.

A difficult building block.
The land has panoramic views over the city and Cairns Inlet to the north. The area situated closest to the street front is flat and approximately 500 m². The northern area of land falls steeply for 12.5 metres and continues to slope the rear boundary of the lot. The front boundary of the lot faces south with some interrupted views. The western boundary of the lot is overshadowed by the adjoining property which is two storeys from a higher ground level than the subject land.

Making the most of the land
As the block is long and proportionately narrow, the house frontage is 10 metres at its widest point and approximately 39m in length. 21 metres of the house length spans over the slope equating to 65% of the house footprint. The height of the home from the ground on the northern elevation is 16 metres. This engineered solution makes previously un-usable land, usable.

The main living areas of the home are located in the single storey structure constructed over the steep slope of steel. This overcomes the inherent constraints of the height and shadow from the western boundary house and allows the flat land to be used for outdoor lawn area, swimming pool, entrance area and car accommodation.

Working with and improving the land.
The slope is protected from weathering. Drainage is provided at the top of the bank. Special landscaping attention has been given to the land throughout the rear of the slope. The landscaping ensures that the visual amenity of the home and land is enhanced as well as stabilizing the slope.

The home design
The robust design of the home caters for wind classification C3 and is safe in the event of a landslide. The main frame and structural elements are made of steel and clad. There are two main roof systems and two minor roof systems that are curved metal sheeting.

The home has a garage attached to a two storey structure positioned over the flat area of land. A single storey structure is positioned over the steep slope section of the land.

There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office situated on the 1st floor and the ground floor has a second office, rumpus room and third bedroom. The ground floor continues along this level through to the single storey structure that is positioned over the steep slope. This area accommodates the fourth and fifth bedroom, two bathrooms, a home theatre room, and kitchen, dining and lounge areas. This part of the home opens out onto extensive verandahs.

A large floor plan at the ground level accommodates the needs of people who are disabled, aged and children where a ramp can be easily accommodated.

Greensmart
Energy efficiency provisions well exceed those that are deemed to satisfy the Building Code of Australia performance requirements.

There are extensive outdoor living areas and openings to the home maximizing the prevailing breezes. The house and landscaping design represents great sensitivity towards the visual amenity for neighbours. The outstanding natural feature of the land is its panoramic views over Cairns and the inlet to the north and the prevailing summer breezes from the north to enhance a natural cooling system during summer. Careful design has taken full advantage of the northerly aspect of the home. The entrance area and southern elevation is also angled to receive any south easterly prevailing breezes. The orientation of the house and use of the natural features of the land minimizes the impact of the sun on the walls of the house. Large eaves and roofed deck areas shade walls.