m3architecture

Cape Tribulation Home

Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts

CAPE TRIBULATION HOME

M3 Architecture

ARCHITECTS
M3 Architecture

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
Integreco

BUILDER
Keith Tesch Homes

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
Integreco

MILLS ENGINEERS AND BLIGH TANNER
Gma Certification Group

PROJECT TEAM
Ben Vielle

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Mills Engineers

PHOTOGRAPHS
Peter Bennetts

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Cape Tribulation, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

This off-the-grid home is close to the beach at Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest — an ancient ecosystem deserving of a thoughtful approach to its site.

Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts

The sensitive nature of this ecosystem demands sustainable design choices. The home is located in a natural clearing, which consequently avoided any mature tree removal.

The exterior is camouflaged with black plastic cladding and mirrored glass, allowing it to recede into the shadow of the rainforest canopy.

Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts

A light interior space clad with plywood opens out to the rainforest surrounds, and engages the canopy through tall south-facing windows. The house is naturally ventilated, assisted by ceiling fans, and all appliances and fixtures are energy efficient.

A path organises the site and choreographs a journey from the road, through the dense rainforest vegetation and down to the beach.

Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts

Along the path, a continuous white rope orients and playful leads the way through the landscape and house. The rope acts as a gate, balustrade, towel rail, lamp shade and support for a hammock throughout the home.

Relaxed pavilions accommodate multiple sleeping arrangements, with living spaces that serve as a makeshift campsite, and couple rooms that transform into bunk rooms.

The design couples qualities of the rainforest, with the attributes of holiday life at the beach.

Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts


Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts


Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts
Cape Tribulation Home
© Peter Bennetts


Cape Tribulation Home
Section
Cape Tribulation Home
Section


Cape Tribulation Home
Floor Plan
Cape Tribulation Home
Master Plan

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