PART 1A - Archetype Research of the Canoe Reach Residence

As an Environmental Filter
The open courtyard at the heart of the Canoe Reach Residence by Brian Steendyk forms the key living space and strongly embraces the qualities of the surrounding environment by opening the entire plan of the house to the natural elements of Brisbane's subtropical climate whilst also giving shelter and protection. A glass and steel pavilion is located in such a way as to protect the open courtyard from western afternoon sun and provide all day shade for the swimming pool beneath. Both visually and spatially, this space creates a strong connection between the building and nature (Steendyk Design, 2010). The U-shape of the building in plan also possesses a powerful ability to focus the user's attention towards the river, which can be seen from most of the rooms within, meaning it is perfectly oriented to view the parkland opposite, launch boats, or watch passing river traffic along either reach of the river (Abell, 2008, 74). The house is never more than one room deep, so visual connections between the interior and exterior spaces is unparalleled. Another objective was to embed the building down into the riverbank to connect it with the earth, give more flexibility with building height, and reduce the profile of the building from the street. As for materials, elegant natural blackbutt wood joinery and the combination of matt and gloss tiles of the entry tunnel which dances off the rivers surface gives the structural elements an effortless correlation with the surrounding natural elements. Natural texture and touch have been considered throughout, from the consistent detail of the joinery right through to the rough off-form concrete coloured in an earth tone.

The Street Facade Embedded in the Earth
Image Source: Christopher Frederick Jones

The Open Courtyard Space
Image Source: Christopher Frederick Jones

As a Container of Human Activities
The family oriented clients for this project needed a house that would grow with them and their children and meet their desire for living spaces with strong links between indoors and out. This was translated by Brian Steendyk into an array of functional and flexible open spaces. The entrance tunnel punctures the street facade half a level below the central court, kitchen, living pavilion, lounge box, and library. The children's bedrooms are located at the back of the U-shaped plan half a level higher, whilst the main bedroom is positioned at the highest point of the house. This half level system is height efficient, whilst it also creates connections to the central open court. A fly roof hovers over the courtyard which achieves both a private and climatically calm daily living space. Sloping steeply with a western aspect, the site was coupled with a riparian setback, minimum occupiable height requirements for flooding, height restrictions, sewer easement issues, and privacy issues with an adjoining house (Abell, 2008, 74). However the design succeeds in meeting the requirements of a modern family primarily through the flexibility of the open plan which also allows for future family development.

Ground Floor Plan
Image Source: Brian Steendyk

Rendered Elevation
Image Source: Brian Steendyk

As a Delightful Experience
Canoe Reach Residence is a unique design that provides the occupants with an array of different spatial qualities traditionally valued by people of South East Queensland. When arriving at the site the building appears to be a one storey occupancy shielded by the earth. Yet as you enter and pass through the confines of the narrow tunnel your expectations are blow away as you are opened up into the surprisingly light and airy space of the courtyard beyond. Upon entering the building, there is a grand sense of elegance as you become aware of the buildings scale and detail, its earth colours, and natural textures and materials. The fly roof and natural ventilation make all spaces within the building physically pleasant and it also allows for an abundance of natural light to penetrate into the space in the changing subtropical conditions. The view lines to the river are also maximised through the open plan. The definition of public and private spaces is also made obvious in plan by the closed rooms surrounds the open court at stepped levels (Steendyk Design, 2010).

The Light Open Experience of the Courtyard Entry

Image Source: Christopher Frederick Jones

The House Opens to the River

Image Source: Christopher Frederick Jones

References
Abell, J. 2008. A Bend in the River, in Houses issue 63: 72-78.

Steendyk Design. 2010. Canoe Reach Residence Info. http://www.steendyk.com/mainpage.htm (accessed March 3, 2010).