56
|
design
mag
Covenants that restrict the selection of building materials
usually begin with good intentions, such as preserving
the local vernacular. However these restrictions “run with
the land” and after a decade or two they are often
merely an obstacle to change that doesn’t benefit the
home owner or streetscape development.
A case in point is the Brisbane suburb of Clayfield which is
subject to what architect Adrian Spence calls a “timber
and tin” covenant, as well as restrictions on building to
boundaries. Ironically, the suburb’s name reflects its history
as a source of fine clay for brick manufacture in
neighbouring Hendra (yes, the suburb that gave the
deadly virus its name).“I think that climatically timber is not
necessarily the best material to use,” Spence asserts.
“Masonry is a much more sensible building material even
in our climate.”
He points out that countries on a similar latitude to ours,
such as those of South America, typically build in masonry,
both brick and block.“There is this misconception that
timber houses are more ‘environmental’ but timber was
used when Brisbane was developing because it was the
cheapest material available.”
Spence had to design this project within the setbacks
required but chose to work around the timber requirement
by placing the masonry on the inside of the building, a
building technology better known as reverse brick veneer.
This places the high thermal mass of brickwork or
blockwork on the inside where it is most effective at
moderating temperature flows.The exterior, clad in this
case in steel and timber, merely acts as a weather shield.
An insulated cavity separates the two wall elements.
In Brisbane, a house is turned inside-out
in response to a restrictive covenant.
PUSHING THE
BOUNDARIES
