Pine Avenue, Elwood, VIC

Well-positioned openable windows and sliding doors make this series of modern townhouses light, well-ventilated and comfortable places to call home.

Building on narrow urban sites can create challenges when it comes to ensuring good natural light and airflow reach key living spaces. But for this series of townhouses in Elwood, near Melbourne, the challenge has been ably overcome, thanks to well-positioned windows and doors across every level.

Ample light effectively reaches all three levels of the townhouses, due to a series of windows and doors chosen from the Carinya Classic range, positioned on opposing sides of the properties. A mixture of styles were selected, including awning, sliding and sashless, depending on the location, function required and wall space available.

For example, the combination of awning windows with fixed louvres were selected for the smaller rooms on the ground floor where windows were nearest to a site boundary. The slightly recessed windows allow enough space for the awning windows to open while the louvres filter light and provide privacy. Where more wall space was available on upper levels, windows in the sliding configuration (horizontal or sashless) were chosen, allowing for wider openings and a larger contribution to cross-ventilation.

With access required to the ground level courtyards and upper level balconies, Carinya Classic Sliding doors were selected. These high performance sliding doors are cost effective for the residential environment, despite coming with commercial grade credentials. The ability to open up the home on both sides is an easy way to take advantage of cool afternoon breezes, and minimise the need for artificial cooling. When the doors are closed, their robust design and integrated rollers ensure a secure and weather-tight environment.

Finished in Black Matt, the panels of vertical glazing on each façade contrast effectively with the white curved brickwork, delivering a series of contemporary homes, while referencing the history and character of the local neighbourhood.

Project Name: Pine Ave, Elwood, VIC
Project Address: 31 Pine Ave Elwood VIC
Architect: Cera Stribley Architects
Builder: Coben Building
Fabricator: Absolute Dynamic Windows Pty Ltd
Applied Finish: Black Matt (19319)
Photography: Emily Bartlett