Ridgewood House

Ridgewood House exemplifies a thoughtful and rigorous approach to its subtropical site, showcasing a masterful planning strategy on a challenging contour. The design revitalizes an existing shed, transforming it into a studio workspace and tool/machinery shed with galvanised iron cladding, creating a distinctive connection to the broader context of the site.

The conceptual development features a rainforest-inspired design that blurs enclosure, offering a pure platform and protective shelter. The house is organized along a circulation spine, linking two parallel wings to the external environment, providing simple retreats and a deep connection to the surrounding terrain.

The internal spaces are bracketed by an escarpment, which shelters a rear courtyard, while the northern view over the valley is framed by elegantly detailed structural steel spans and tapered rafters, floating above a bank of clerestory windows. This design exemplifies subtropical architecture with resilience and grace, embodying the Sunshine Coast school’s inventive and light touch.

SCG Engineers provided the structural engineering for this project, ensuring that the design's innovative and elegant approach was supported by robust engineering solutions.

Award: Winner of the Gabriel Poole House of the Year 2022, Sunshine Coast Institute of Architecture Award.