The Glen Iris Garden Homes consist of two prefabricated dwellings set in the leafy suburb of Glen Iris, Victoria. Sustainable design principles, from design efficiencies through to product selections guided this prefabricated modular build with the ambition to create a refined, liveable, and highly sustainable product.

The extreme gradient of the site (7 metres over 36 metres) led to a design conceived in section, rather than plan. The sectional concept resulted in a five-level design, comprising a total of 16 modules. The two main masses of the units are separated and defined by a central slender tall threshold module with views onto a central garden. This negative space acts as both a light court and a ventilation stack.

From the street, the striking Silver Top Ash cladding is divided and offset by a strong horizontal steel window- juxtaposing the visual pattern of vertical lines with the bold horizontal glazing into the home. The permeable driveway and landscaping are arranged to encourage natural and organic growth around the building to express the suburb’s surrounding greenery whilst maximising onsite permeability and stormwater retention.

A natural and contemporary selection of materials, meticulous design around the existing sloping site, and proficient spatial planning delivers the spacious and quality homes for the two families who reside side-by-side.

Photography by Willem-Dirk du Toit.

Dissections
Lighting: Clipsal, Beacon Lighting, Eco Smart Lighting. Finishes: Laminex, Polytec, Dulux, George Fethers & Co., James Hardie, Cedar Sales, Lysaght, Zincalume, Mapei, Wilsonart, Intrim, Grip Guard, Provans, Bayswood Timber, Frencham Cypress. Fittings & Fixtures: Asko, Reece, Blanco, Entro Style, Hafele, Wilson & Bradley, IKEA, Scandia, Fujitsu, Polyaire, Rinnai, Waterlink Tanks, The Tank Factory, Veitch.