SA Affordable Housing July - August 2019 // Issue: 77 | Page 13

ADVERTORIAL - COVER STORY
WELCOME TO TRUSS HOUSE
Truss House is a new building in Balmain,
New South Wales, Australia. It has exposed
recycled brick walls and salvaged roof
trusses to pay homage to the site’s
industrial heritage as a timber mill.
Architects: Carter Williamson Architects
Photographs courtesy: Brett Boardman
A unique inverted steel truss roof provides clearstory lighting along the full length of
the home, providing glimpses of passing clouds and tree-tops. Because the house
uses the full site and is close to its neighbours, this creative solution diffuses natural
light while maintaining privacy.
The bedroom also features exposed brick. Because glass is a poor insulator, the rear
windows have automated angled shutters to control light, heat and street noise. The
inverted truss becomes an opaque window that lets in natural daylight.
The cube design of Truss House is unmistakably
contemporary. But where concrete would have
been the stereotypical choice, Truss House
makes effective use of reclaimed brick to soften
the angles and provide texture, organic colour
and historical authenticity.
With a footprint of just 390m 2 , the house makes creative use of large glass windows, courtyards and an open plan interior to optimise light
and space. The minimalist kitchen boasts sleek white furniture with feature walls of reclaimed clay brick with contrasting light mortar.
www.saaffordablehousing.co.za
JULY - AUGUST 2019
11