Yarra House

Inspired by the nearby river, the impressive rooftop views and curved timber entrance of Yarra House are complemented by recycled ironbark and sustainably sourced Pacific teak. Timber choices throughout offer warmth, colour, texture and durability.
Project Name
Yarra House
Case Study Type
Location

4/18 Yarra St
South Yarra VIC 3141
Australia

Consultants
Builders
Photographer Details
Dianna Snape (www.diannasnape.com.au) and Adam Cleave

Overview

The curved timber canopy and battened timber ceiling defines the entry into Yarra House apartments. The communal spaces where the residents socialise heavily feature timber. The timber gives the spaces their colour.

Yarra House is the closest building to the river on Yarra Street. Its inspiration is the river. Common ground was established with the client over boat building. Sustainably sourced Pacific teak (Vitex cofassus), commonly used in boat building, valued for its fine texture, durability and excellent steam bending was chosen for the external canopy and battened foyer ceiling. This was matched with the timber veneers that give the space warmth and human scale.

Recycled ironbark is used for the pergola and pool decking on the roof terrace where durability is essential. The textures of the smooth mother of pearl and glass tower is contrasted with the timber. On the roof top, twenty-three levels above the street and with tremendous views to the city, the timber provides a ‘grounding’ quality that is warm and familiar.

 

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Structure

Pacific teak was used for the timber canopy and solid timber battened foyer ceiling. Pacific teak was chosen for durability, strength, fine lustrous texture, excellent steam bending and low tangental shrinkage (2%) which was important on a west-facing exterior. Externally, it was treated with Cabot’s Deck and Exterior Stain tinted with a customised Dulux formula to match the timber veneer joinery.

Chosen for its durability, recycled Ironbark was used for the pool pergola, roof terrace decking and seating. Re-toned fumed oak crown cut timber veneer was used in the foyer and business lounge joinery. Timber features heavily in the decorative element of the design where colour is introduced via the timber selection. The oak was chosen for its soft muted colour.

Interior

The curved timber canopy and battened timber ceiling defines the entry into Yarra House apartments. The communal spaces where the residents socialise heavily feature timbers. The timber that gives the spaces their colour.

Yarra House is the closest building to the river on Yarra Street. It’s inspiration is the river. Common ground was established with the client over boat building. Sustainably sourced Pacific teak (Vitex cofassus), commonly used in boat building, valued for it’s fine texture, durability and excellent steam bending was chosen for the external canopy and battened foyer ceiling. This was matched with the timber veneers that give the space warmth and human scale.

Recycled iron bark is used for the pergola and pool decking on the roof terrace where durability is essential. The textures of the smooth mother of pearl and glass tower is contrasted with the timber. On the roof top, 23 levels above the street and with tremendous views to the city, the timber provides a ‘grounding’quality that is warm and familiar.

Panelling: Retoned fumer oak crown cut veneer; Pacific teak

Doors: Retoned fumer oak crown cut veneer

Joinery and Cabinetry: Retoned fumer oak crown cut veneer

Pergola: Recycled ironbark

Canopy: Pacific teak

Pool Deck: Ironbark

Roof top BBQ Area: Ironbark

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