Wirra Willa Pavilion: Minimal Glass-Walled Guest Home Set in the Landscape

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture

Architect: Matthew Woodward Architecture Photographs: Murray Fredericks article Size: 72 m2 Location: New South Wales, Australia Tags: New Homes, Country Homes

The Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture is a Miesian inspired glass pavilion situated in a vibrant and fertile, rural landscape setting not dissimilar to that portrayed in a Claude Monet painting. This is not a home for the shy or private…

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Appreciating the Landscape

The aim was to create a multifunctional space that provided an experiential opportunity for the visitor so they could appreciate, to the full extent, the inherent beauty of the landscape. The specific site is situated remotely on a private property that totals 80 acres and was originally established as a stone and citrus fruit orchard. There are well established gardens intertwined throughout.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Cantilevered over the Water

The pavilion cantilevers over the natural spring fed dam to connect the inhabitant to a sublime environment that is pulsing with an abundance of life and natural beauty. It is essentially used as a private and remote spa house and guest retreat that compliments the existing residence on the property. While not everyone can afford a freestanding guest pavilion on their extensive property, it is a good model for smaller homes with exceptional quality of design and detailing.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Less is More

Simplicity is essential to the success of the project. The approach was to maintain simplicity through each stage of the design process in order to create an elegant, unobtrusive incision into the landscape setting that allows for both prospect and refuge.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Multifunctional

The use of the pavilion is multifunctional. The design needed to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate for various uses during the changing seasons through out the year.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Siting

Site selection and siting was crucial. The location was selected for its remoteness, opportunity for prospect, and orientation to the sun and prevailing winds.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Passive Design

The orientation of the pavilion to the north-east captures the sun and responds to prevailing winds. In the warmer summer months the sliding glass panels can open up to allow for natural cross ventilation by inviting the prevailing breezes, while in the cooler winter, thermal mass of materials conduct heat from the sun to allow for a relatively constant internal climate.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)
Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Simple Geometry

The geometry itself is simple. The building is essentially two bisecting rectangular prisms, one created from composite steel, concrete and glass, and the other a sandstone cladded core. The structural solution was derived from a rationalised 'grid' system.

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Wirra Willa Pavilion by Matthew Woodward Architecture (via Lunchbox Architect)

Wirra Willa Pavilion

Wirra Willa Pavilion is a special place that one can escape to find peace and solitude. While in this case, the pavilion is a small part of a larger home, we can learn a lot from its simplicity and quality of design. As a model for living prioritising quality over quantity, Wirra Willa Pavilion shows us how a compact well-designed home can fit in with the landscape and provide all the modern comforts.

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What do you think? Could you live in a glass-walled house?

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