A Beautiful, Sustainable (and Bushfire-Proof) Home Rises From the Ashes
Our thoughts are with the families who have suffered losses in NSW's devastating bush fires. In light of this year's terrible fires, we thought we'd highlight an example of regeneration after the Black Saturday Fires of 2009. Callignee II is evidence of an innovative (and stylish) bushfire-proof home that has literally risen from the ashes. Perhaps this story can give survivors of this year's fires hope for the future.
Callignee II
Designed by: Swale Homes
Photos courtesy of Swale Homes
The story of Callignee II starts with the story of Callignee I:
Just two weeks after it was completed the 2009 Black Saturday Fires ripped through the thickly forested area of Callignee:
Tragically, this is all that was left of Callignee I after the Black Saturday Fires - a burnt out shell.
Chris was devastated to lose a home that had meant so much to him. To add to his pain, the bank had not yet completed their final valuation, meaning his insurance would only cover a portion of the value of the home. While Chris was determined to rebuild, he would have to do so on a limited budget.
A limited budget didn't limit Chris' vision. Callignee II rose from the ashes as a beautiful, sustainable and fire-safe phoenix. By using some of the structural elements left intact by the fire, choosing recycled materials and reducing the size of the house, Chris was able to rebuild.
Rusting steel (Corten) helps the home sit comfortably in its environment, while the house is powered by renewable energy. The house is a sensitive addition to the wild surrounds.
The use of a rock and a native plant buffer help to protect the house from ember attack in the event of future bush fires.
Internally, Corten, concrete and timber combine to make a home that is warm, earthy and welcoming. Chris spent time during construction hosing down the rusting steel walls to achieve the ochre-red colour he desired.
Chris salvaged timber from Princes Pier to use in the house. Original bolts and steel were left intact to add a rustic feel and to retain the character of these pre-loved elements.
This meditation space creates a space to relax.
Merging materials like carpet and timber is a good way to differentiate space while maintaining a sense of continuity.
Bamboo, plunge pool and an outdoor shower create a peaceful oasis.
An incredible glass-edged pool creates a connection between indoors and outdoors. The concrete bench on the right was salvaged from Callignee I.
Callignee I's concrete kitchen bench was also salvaged, as you can see by the damaged edge of the cooktop.
The second level is completely open to the downstairs, including a grate as the flooring. This keeps the space open, bright and airy.
Clever detailing like the infinity pool edge and the box and chain down-pipe add interest and refinement to the earthy and organic palette.
Callignee II is testament to what can be achieved with a sense of determination and spirit, even with an undertone of deep loss. Its recycled materials, sustainable features and fire-smart approach is a message of hope and rebirth after tragic natural disasters like bush fires.
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Amazing, I love the second one much better. It's remarkable to see the transformation in photos.
over a year ago by Geoff
