Talofa
A unique property situated in the hills overlooking Byron Bay with amazing views in all directions.
Architect: Archimages Architecture | Engineering: Ardill Payne & Partners
This unique property at Talofa is situated in the hills overlooking Byron Bay with amazing views in all directions. It was therefore a site that demanded a design that could not only capture this wonderful vista but also cope with the extremities of weather that are inherent with such an exposed location. JS Henderson’s client required an executive residence with the highest level of finishes and sophisticated installations that would complement the exclusive position.
Upon arriving at the property and passing through the remote automated gate, you are greeted by a winding bamboo-lined driveway that opens out onto a massive cream-coloured gravel forecourt from which the awaiting vistas can begin to be appreciated. The entrance to the house is revealed through a recycled timber and tile-lined passageway that opens out onto the vast enclosed courtyard and pool area. High, tilted, flat-topped pavilions protect you from any elements as you approach the front door.
Upon entering foyer you are again confronted by the breathtaking views; something you will have to get used to as all the rooms are oriented to them. The walls are curved to draw you into the next rooms. The recycled timber lining is continued here along with magnificent limestone floor tiles and as you enter the lounge, dining, kitchen area the ceiling height lifts to almost 5 metres. The bedroom wings are to the east and west of this central living area.
The four generous bedrooms have plush carpet underfoot and although air-conditioned, are north facing and so situated to make the most of the natural breezes and the stunning views. All the bedrooms are complete with ensuites.
There is a bar area revealed by a beautifully crafted curved sliding wall. Behind this is the theatre with raised seating dais and soundproofed walls. And adjacent is the limestone tiled powder room.
The residence has its own 2 story, two bedroom, semi-detached caretaker’s cottage to the south with a rear deck that is protected by an incredible cantilevered roof structure. The double garage is complete with an insulated cellar below.
An award-winning 14 metre freshwater lap pool with beach situated in the stone walled courtyard, and a separate spa to the master bedroom area on the north side complete the home’s facilities. It was necessary to provide retreats from the wind and so dual living areas needed to be established on both sides of the house. The courtyard and pool area are a central focus of the design of the building offering privacy and retreat from the elements.
In terms of construction, some basic principles were set in place:
The building had to be structurally capable but also perceived to be strong, yet light and open.
The energy efficiency of the building was important to achieve maximum effect.
It was important to achieve a feeling of sanctuary inside the building when the weather was blustery and yet be able to open up the building and experience the beautiful days.
With these principles in mind, the basic construction is of concrete reinforced block walls with an internal timber frame separated by a cavity. The insulative properties of the block construction mean that active heating and cooling are kept to a minimum.
Structural steel is used extensively within the roof structure, achieving the elegant overhangs and fine lines to the roof. The roof framing was of engineered LVL rafters with hardwood outriggers for eaves support. The roofs were all Colorbond. This design has already successfully weathered some extreme North Coast weather events.
The premium grade windows were chosen with wind penetration and sealing as a priority to cope with high wind loads.
The external wall finishes were a mixture of tiles, recycled hardwood, render and fibre-cement cladding. This often required different approaches to mount each medium which JS Henderson achieved with seamless integration.
Limestone tiles with under-floor heating are found throughout the home, whereas, large granite paving is used in the courtyard and outdoor areas.
The pool is of concrete construction with a combination of pebble and tile finishes complimented by a granite coping surround. The backdrop of the pool is a hand crafted stone wall which serves as a security wall and a feature wall. There are swim seats and an area of the beach under the protection of the outdoor pavilion roof.
A high priority of this pool was to eliminate as much as possible formal security fencing .This has been achieved by way of a dry moat and landscaping thereby achieving pool security unhindered by balustrading. The remainder of the pool is secured with glass balustrades and hydraulic closing gates.
The filtration is of dual media filters with a fresh water ionizer system. The pool is serviced with in-floor cleaning and is basically a self-cleaning and servicing pool. The pool is enhanced at night by in-pool lighting and strategic LED lighting playing on the infinity edge to create a subtle waterfall effect.
The subsequent awards bestowed on this house are a testament to JS Henderson’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, displaying an intimate understanding of what is required to construct an elite residence for a discerning client.
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