Shadow Play


DONVALE


  • A close up of a roof of a building with trees in the background.

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  • A large house is surrounded by trees on a sunny day

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  • A wooden deck with a table and chairs under a pergola.

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  • An aerial view of a house with a covered patio and trees in the background.

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  • A house with a roof that is surrounded by trees on a sunny day.

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  • A building with a curved roof and a tree in the background.

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  • A patio with a table and chairs under a pergola.

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  • A black pergola is surrounded by trees in a garden.

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  • A dog is walking on a deck in front of a house

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An aerial view of a house with solar panels on the roof

The Challenge


THE PERFECT DECK...FOR SCORCHING IN THE SUMMER SUN


With a supersized deck in beautiful, leafy surrounds, the owners of this bold and sculptural 1990s home wanted to spend more time outdoors. But their deck's lack of shade and its western orientation made it uncomfortably hot and glary. The owners had tried and considered various options, such as umbrellas and shade sails, but were looking for a permanent, yet flexible solution—one that complemented the unique design of their home, retained access to light and views, and maximised the functionality of their incredible outdoor space.


What if …


THE GEOMETRY OF THE HOUSE COULD INSPIRE THE PERFECT SOLUTION?

 

By conducting a comprehensive solar study, we were able to test and determine which shape and position of shading would best address the competing demands of the brief. After testing a number of other possibilities, we drew inspiration from the house's barrel-vaulted roof form. The successful result is a curvilinear, wave-like form that floats above and contrasts the angular wings flanking the deck. Thin, lightweight battens create a dappled light, echoing the variable and dynamic shade of a tree canopy and similarly allow filtered views through, to the surrounding foliage and sky beyond.

A group of people are sitting at a table on a deck in front of a house.
A black and white drawing of a building with a fence around it.

Filtered Light Through Battens


3D MODELING TO DETERMINE THE MOST EFFECTIVE BATTEN SPACING


The design uses aluminium battens on curved steel beams to provide filtered shade. By analysing the effects of the spacing of the battens in 3D, based on the orientation and shading requirements, we were able to determine the most effective configuration, striking the right balance between providing enough shade and allowing the structure to feel light and airy.


By referencing the shape of the existing barrel roof, the shading structure feels cohesive, and its sculptural quality provides a picturesque frame to enjoy views of the surrounding treetops.





Structural Logic


FOR UN-INTERUPTED ALFRESCO ENTERTAINING


Much like a Roman arch, an inherent benefit of the wave shape is its structural logic. By using lightweight aluminium battens in concert with the wave-form steel structure and utilising the existing house structure, we limited the need for additional support to just three slender steel posts. Minimising the need for columns leaves more space and flexibility for entertaining and enjoying the deck.



A house with a large roof is surrounded by trees on a sunny day.