A simple design is sometimes the most ingenious as this rural home in East Gippsland, Victoria, classically demonstrates. With the brief to create a cost-effective, energy efficient and comfortable home on a north-facing site, the house was shaped as a simple, well-orientated rectangle, and completed with the right window and door framing products sourced from Carinya.

The four-bedroom home was designed with the main living areas and two bedrooms facing north and featuring large expanses of glass, while utility spaces and secondary bedrooms face south with smaller windows. Supported by solid, insulated walls on the east and west faces, this orientation and glazing mix ensures the house requires minimal heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable year-round environment.

The single pitched roof slopes towards the northern side, reaching a generous height of 3.2m. Being the primary interface with the outdoor areas, a combination of sliding and fixed windows were used along the length. Each of the north facing rooms and the recessed outdoor entertaining area feature Caryina Classic Sliding Doors, teamed with Invisi-Gard security screens, and topped with highlight windows.

Developed by Alspec through experience in the commercial environment, Carinya Classic Sliding doors enjoy many features usually only found in commercial products. They include threshold and jamb in-fills, internally concealed weather flaps and end caps which work together to provide superior all-weather performance. Utilising Alspec’s integrated proprietary roller system, which makes them extremely easy to operate, the doors can accommodate heavier panels of glass such as double glazing.

To provide security and insect screening, Invisi-Gard products accompany the sliding doors. The popular security screens provide protection without compromising on views, light or air flow. Made from 316 marine grade stainless steel, Invisi-Gard screens are woven using a unique method which produces an incredibly flat, strong surface. As well as providing security benefits, the screens have a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating of BAL40, making them appropriate for homes in bushfire prone areas.

For other window requirements, Carinya Classic Awning Frames and Sliding Windows were utilised. These products feature an integrated 50mm wide sill which provides ample space for the locking mechanisms and chain winders if required. Being from the Carinya Classic range, these windows benefit from strong and durable sashes which can also accommodate double glazed glass.

Project Name: Soulsby Housse III
Location: Maclure Drive, Wy Yung Vic 3875
Architect: John McAuley Architecture
Builder: Banks CM & HM
Fabricator: Absolute Dynamic Windows Pty Ltd
Photography: Felix Mooneeram
Finish: Dulux Monument (9067S)

Alspec products:
Carinya Classic Awning Frames
Carinya Sliding Door
Carinya Sliding Windows
Carinya Select 125 Hinged Door Frame
Invisi-Gard Sliding Doors
Breezway Altair Louvres