House in Brisbane, Australia protected with shadecloth wrap

Responding to the subtropical climate of the new farm peninsula area in Brisbane, the Australian firm, James Russell Architects developed the Oxlade Drive House.

Protected from floods, and designed to have a protracted life span, the family home is configured as a series of two volumes that sit in between a landscaped courtyard and pool area. An interesting design feature is the use of shade cloth that wraps over the patio and extends over the structure’s external walls, filtering sunlight into the space. This fabric skin gives the feeling of being inside while outside, but still protects from the sun and insects.

The arrangement in levels with a courtyard at the core allow for the constant variations in views between the exterior and interior and encourages cross-ventilation as well. Photos: Toby Scott