31
Design is rarely predictable, the prototype more so.
How does this stack up to the renderings and
computer-generated graphics?
You stand inside, look out and there’s an unexpected
integration with the bushland setting. The ceiling reveals
itself in unexpected ways in that it folds back with the
ceiling height rising from 2.7 metres and then cranks back
up to 3 metres high on the outside edge. So that was very
pleasant and far better than I would have expected
or anticipated.
Because of the way glass integrates and provides
a rising panorama into the forest canopy?
Yes. It’s almost as if the ceiling is a floating object
and the glazing extends beyond that and becomes
a huge, south facing aperture.
How obvious a choice was Viridian’s double-glazing?
We only use double-glazing. Their windows and doors
definitely add to the general environmental building
performance and long-term project value.
It’s almost a re-take of Ned Kelly’s visor with this
horizontal vista that really takes you into the bush and
connects. It’s not an apology for what might have been.
We’re fortunate because we don’t overlook neighbours
where the best views are. The window on the eastern side
is a little more restricted. The northern edge creates
a closed down, or bunker effect at the rear,
north-facing elevation.
What window system have you used?
There’s the two and a half metre wide sliding door on
the western patio and a similar door south. Bedrooms on
the southern edge access the balcony along the southern
side. One of the reasons we used Element Windows is
the high quality, top mounted mechanisms that slide
so easily.
What are some of the other design possibilities
you see for the ARKit system?
ARKit has designed and built projects as diverse as
a Fire Tower, an office building for 20, a four storey mini
tower, a couple of early learning centres along with our
variety of residential projects. Our panelised construction
approach is being expanded into a solution for indigenous
remote communities. It is a bright future for offsite
constructions with PrefabAus aspiring to an increase from
3% to 10-15% of residential building construction projects
in the next five years.
PROJECT
The ARKit House,
Wye River, Victoria
PRINCIPAL GLAZING CONTRACTOR
Element Windows
GLAZING RESOURCE
ARCHITECT
Craig Chatman, ARKit
Viridian (Con Kantis)
PRINCIPAL GLAZING
DESIGN TEAM
Craig Chatman,
Tristan Burfield, Millie Cattlin
Viridian ThermoTechTM
Double Glazed Units