Photo from a Viva Homes straw bale building workshop.

Photo from a Viva Homes straw bale building workshop.

In progress.

Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling in Kangaroo Island. A beautiful site on an environmentally rich island (watch out for the kangaroos!).

Hands-on clients were seeking a solution to accomodate their growing, energetic children within a fun and playful house. Clients came to us for our shared interest in straw bale construction.

Environmental Strategies
- An interior feature wall constructed of local stone will absorb the heat from direct sunlight during winter, combining environmental strategies of thermal mass in conjunction with the insulative properties of straw bale, to maintain the interior temperature throughout the year.
- The proposal wraps around a central courtyard, harnessing views while creating a buffer from the sometimes brutal winds that sweep across the island.