This modest sized corner allotment in Central Ballarat had been subdivided from the property of a gold rush era bluestone home, and as such our parcel of land fell into a heritage overlay. The slope of the land is remnant of both an ancient lava flow and mining activities of the late nineteenth century. The architectural styles of the neighborhood are varied but we decided to pay homage to the traditional style of the pitched roof miners cottage. Privacy and solar gain were important so we set the building as close to the street corner as was allowed in order to maximize the private open space to the north of the building. The modern gable-ends of the home were faced to the sun and the splayed roof overhangs were designed to omit the unwanted summer sun and to obscure views from the street.
The wood heater is the only heating installed, and based on over five years of experience, the owners found no additional heating necessary. It was installed at the owners’ request during the house design 10 years ago. Despite changes in design practices since then, the design has proven highly effective in one of Victoria’s coldest climates.
