Commendation for Bouddi architect

Bouddi Peninsula architect Mr James Fraser has been awarded a special commendation at the 2018 NSW Architecture Awards for a Killcare home he designed.

The award was the first major award for the local architect, who aims to provide sustainable considerate local architecture that melds with the beauty of the local environment, since he entered private practice a few years ago.

The jury noted: "Years of architectural practice are evident in Mr Fraser's considered inaugural new house".

The special commendation in the "new residential' category was for his work on a local home adjoining Bouddi National Park.

Built on a steep bush block, the project brief was to construct a new family home for a couple with two independent children.

Modest in scale, the three bedroom house was positioned to capture views to Putty Beach and the Pacific, while preserving the community of trees which characterises the site.

Central to the initial design proposal was to create a journey through landscape from street to upper living room and to the hillside beyond.

"The opportunity was to make an experience as rich and varied as that of the surrounding National Park," Mr Fraser said.

"The material language is simple, restrained and takes a minimalist approach to the number of materials used: concrete, steel, and timber each expressed in their natural finish giving authenticity and honesty to the structure.

"Detailing is simple, consistent and robust.

"The house was complex to construct with access constraints, significant excavation, exposed structural finishes, bushfire construction standards, tree preservation and ecological sensitivity; all requiring a close and collaborative focus from client and project team," he continued.

"The home expresses an alternative proposition to the idea of touching the earth lightly, the house is deeply embedded in the site and thoroughly restorative to and respectful of its place," he said.

Mr Fraser is a third generation Killcare resident, with Fraser Rd, Killcare, being named after his grandfather.

Mr Fraser has worked as an architect in both Sydney and London, though is locally based and most inspired by the beauty of the Central Coast environs.

SOURCE:

Media release, 12 Jul 2018

David Abrahams, Killcare