Nine Steps

Nine steps – to heaven – just nine steps to appreciate this modern interpretation of a bush cabin on a 12ha property. This home exhibits architectural and structural resolution in an innovative way.

DE atelier Architects had an urban response to this project. While the brief was to provide a comfortable home away from home – a holiday retreat from the city – DE atelier Architects stayed true to the rural and native forest setting. 

With spectacular views of Mount Buffalo and the surrounding forest, wide windows were chosen to showcase the native trees. Natural anodised window frames perfectly accentuate the views in this home, transforming every framed view into an artwork of utter beauty.   

Set in a location that is cold in winter and a bushfire risk in summer, the windows and doors needed to comply to a stringent brief. ThermalHEART™ was chosen because of its successful thermal technology which is also BAL-40 tested. 

The Series 731 thermally broken sliding door incorporates ThermalHEART™ technology, a thermal break between the outside and inside faces. WERS (Window Energy Rating System) data shows that using the same IGU in a ThermalHEART™ sliding door is 32% more efficient than a standard non-thermally broken sliding door. This feature was very attractive to the owners who wanted a more thermally efficient way of living. 

Series 726 thermally broken awning frames were also used in the project. A major advantage of using this series in colder climates is that there is a reduction in internal condensation. 

The windows and doors all incorporate double glazing with Low-E glass from Viridian Glass.  

The entry area can be shut off, with two large sliding doors responding to both the transient nature of the accommodation, and also providing improved protection in times of bushfire threat. 

A fusion of design and excellence, this remarkable home challenges the idea of a traditional bush cabin and explores the idea of a modern one.