Built on the banks of WA’s Margaret River, the Ooi house is a single-storey, three bedroom holiday residence with a guest chalet intended to be the first of several. These relate to courtyards, pools and decks. Because the semi-rural site is not overlooked by other properties, the design of both houses promotes transparency and openness. Materials (stabilised earth walls, tallowood floors and screens, steel roofing, glass) have been chosen to relate to the natural context and local trade practices. The plan divides the main house into two zones: a steel and glass living wing with a skillion roof, and a private wing, made with earth walls under a pitched roof, of two bedroom suites linked by a courtyard. The chalet is built of similar materials.

Jury Verdict
A house at peace with the landscape and the horizon. A house of details, although every junction and element has been thoughtfully and carefully resolved to a high level of consistency. There is a continual delight and surprise as one moves from space to space. While its rammed earth walls and the giant kauri locate it firmly as part of the south west of Western Australia, the calm refinement and elements such as screens and reflecting pool impart an Asian sensibility. This is a house of great serenity. It acknowledges its exceptional site, directing views towards the river, bush hillside and the ocean. It also sits in dramatic contrast to its environment, a light pavilion anchored by its rammed earth spines. This house resurrects some of the fading traditions of Australian domestic architecture, giving them an added sophistication and sensitivity which results in empathy of form, space and texture with the landscape. It belongs to the school of seductive architecture.

Photography Martin Farquharson

Ooi House, Prevelly, WA
Architects and Interior Designers Kerry Hill Architects—team Kerry Hill, Rowena Hockin, Albano Daminato, Robert Allan. Structural Engineers Scott Smalley Partnership. Electrical Engineers CCD Australia. Hydraulics Engineers Hutchinson Associates. Quantity Surveyors Davis Langdon & Silver. Building Contractors Innovest Construction.

Next Award