The Bridge House is comprised of 1,184 square feet of living space, suspended above a creek in Adelaide, Australia, designed by Max Pritchard Architect. The clients requested a permanent home with an office on their small property, which would “touch the earth lightly.” An idyllic site, a bend in the winter creek that divides the property, creates a billabong (a deep waterhole) bounded by a high rocky bank. A house was required that would allow appreciation of the site without spoiling its beauty, but at a budget comparable with a “prefabricated” dwelling or an “off the plan” developers design.

The design solution is a narrow bridge like structure spanning the creek with glazing on either side which provides the experience of living amongst the trees in an almost untouched beautiful setting. Winter sun through the north facing windows heats the black concrete floor for reradiaiton at night. A wood combustion heater supplements the natural passive heating. Double glazing to the living area helps retain the heat. Perforated steel louvres shade the north windows in summer. The narrow plan form allows cross ventilation and is combined with ceiling fans to provide sufficient cooling for summer comfort. Solar hot water heating and photovoltaic cells positioned on the garage roof compliment the sustainable character of the house.