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Co-Architecture Timber Series: The Milldam

Located atop a rocky outcropping in Port Sorrell, Tasmania, this residence encapsulates “Rugged Luxury”, whilst utilising sustainable materials like spotted gum, Shou Sugi Ban charred timber, and limestone.

The Milldam, designed by the team at Starbox Architecture, is the contemporary replacement for a 2-bedroom shack that previously occupied the 2049m2 rural lot. Although the home appears somewhat imposing from the street, it reserves the right to maintain its stately appearance with an abundance of versatile and sustainable features throughout the residence.

The lot borders the Port Sorrell estuary to the north and is surrounded by private farmland and State owned bush; situated in a Rural Resource Zone. The sites inherent privacy drew its residents into creating a home that complemented the retreat and sanctuary provided by the steep location whilst also capturing the water views and the Narawntapu National Park below.

Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Multi-storey residential home constructed with light brick and warm timber. Floor-to-ceiling windows, doors and large balconys.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Multi-storey residential home constructed with light brick and warm timber. Floor-to-ceiling windows, doors and large balconys.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Two people sit in timber patio chairs on balcony overlooking estuary and native Australian trees.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.

The home was designed with the concept of ‘Rugged Luxury’ in mind, in an attempt to reflect the tidal estuary that characterises much of the surrounding landscape. The tide plays a crucial role in the appearance of the surrounding landscape; when the tide is out the raw and rugged landscape is exposed. When the tide is in, an expansive body of water fills the estuary creating a shimmering, reflective and clean landscape. The design intent behind “Rugged Luxury” aimed at capturing this designation of nature as both beautiful and raw.  The blending of this raw beauty and refined elegance culminate to create a unique living experience for the residents; one which celebrates the natural landscape whilst still elevating everyday living experiences with sophisticated comfort.

In keeping with the concept of “Rugged Luxury”, utilisation of natural materials was paramount to the design. Materials such as spotted gum timber, Shou Sugi Ban charred timber cladding and limestone are woven throughout the home to enhance the rich ruggedness of the home and its landscape. The selected materials are not only sustainable and durable, but add warmth and texture to the space.

Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Light brick and dark timber staircase with large overhead void and skylight in white ceiling.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Open plan kitchen and living space with white cabinetry and lounge, timber clad ceilings and timber herringbone floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bushland.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Frontage of double storey residential home with black timber clad garage and winding pathway up to house.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.

A large portion of the home’s natural materiality is comprised of Mortlock timbers, particularly burnt ash (thermally modified timber), finished with Shou Sugi Ban charred finish. This combination was used on the ground floor garage, granny flat, second garage and upstairs to the east, south and west of the second floor. Burnt ash is a thermally modified American Ash, known as a resilient hardwood timber. American Ash becomes Burnt ash through a chemical-free thermal modification process that uses heat and steam to improve the durability and rot resistance of the timber; essentially, cooking it. Any timber exposed to the weather will require maintenance at some point, with Shou Sugi Ban or charred timber lasting longer without maintenance than un-charred timber finishes as the charring process acts as a natural layer of protection.

The use of sustainable materials is a narrative that continues throughout the home, with timber specifically being utilised in nearly all spaces in the project. Limestone and spotted gum continue from the exterior into the interior entry, adding warmth and texture and contributing to the “Rugged Luxury” aesthetic of the residence. This palette again continues throughout the kitchen, with cabinetry and painted timber panelling adding a pop of colour. Careful consideration is paid to details in the space, with spotted gum timber being use for cabinetry handles.

Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Hallway with light timber herringbone floors, dark timber clad walls, and a large open void with rubber plant growing in gap.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Hallway with light timber herringbone floors, dark timber clad walls, and a large open void with rubber plant growing in gap.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Hallway with light timber herringbone floors, dark timber clad walls, and a large open void with rubber plant growing in gap.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.

The team at Starbox Architecture strategically oriented the residence to take advantage of the unparalleled views of the estuary and Narawntapu National Park unfolding below. In order to capitalise on the views of the water, the buildings height was increased, which due to the sites steep incline, would have inadvertently created a significantly steep access to the homes entry. In order to combat this, an indirect stepped walkway now meanders throughout the garden, creating interest and softening the slope.

Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Open plan kitchen and living space with white cabinetry and lounge, timber clad ceilings and timber herringbone floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bushland.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Rear facade of double storey residential home with large external staircase leading to balcony, overlooking pool.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Boy reading in nook with white curve exterior walls, timber base and large window overlooking garden.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Living space with white modular lounge and timber herringbone floors. Timber clad ceiling and windows overlooking bushland.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.

An internal garden summarises the principles which have guided the entire design; incorporation of biophilic design principles to emphasise the relationship between nature and architecture. A 50-year-old umbrella tree in the garden serves as the focal point to the home, aiding in adding colour, life and improved air quality whilst enhancing a sense of tranquility and retreat within the home.

The home prioritises the relationship between the built environment and the natural one, engaging the use of Mortlock Timber to enhance this bond and blend the home seamlessly with its surrounding, whilst still ensuring longevity and durability.

This project article is part of our Mortlock Timber Series, designed to highlight the impressive versatility of Mortlock Timber’s product range along with the diverse projects that demonstrate the potential. For additional information on Mortlock Timber, please visit their website or Instagram.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Port Sorell, Tasmania
Architecture: Starbox Architecture
Photographer: Anjie Blair
Builder: ET Construction
Products used: Mortlock Timber Burnt Ash with Shou Sugi Ban charred finish, and Cutek Extreme CD50 Black Ash oil

Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Exterior facade of home clad with lack charred timber and native garden in foreground.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Exterior facade of home clad with lack charred timber and native garden in foreground.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Birds eye view of someone walking down hallway with herringbone timber floors, brick and timber clad walls and a large tree.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair. Girl playing piano behind floor-to-ceiling white curved cabinetry with plants on it. Herringbone timber floors and windows overlooking bushland.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.  Bathroom with grey stone tiled walls and timber floating cabinet below large mirror.
Mortlock Timber Series: The Milldam. Photography by Anjie Blair.

Article written by Cassidy Kay, Co-Architecture

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    Mortlock Timber

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