Beautiful
Banksia.
A Comforting Abode to be Shared with Family and Friends
Banksia House by Arkular capitalises on the uniqueness and resilience of the iconic Banksia tree, resulting in a comforting home to be shared and enjoyed with family and friends.
Set delicately amongst the coastal landscape, Arkular’s latest modular home is a relaxing retreat inspired by the iconic Banksia integrifolia native to the surrounding landscape.
Reminiscent of the unique sculptural form of the natural flora, the segmented façade is symbolic of the intricate serrated leaves, with the design offering intrigue and delight through its distinct architectural identity.
Image: The Banksia House
Resilient, Reliable and UniqueÂ
Banksias are emblematic of regeneration and rebirth, a prospect beautifully echoed through the retired residents of the property who required a space of refuge and comfort as they enter a new exciting phase of their journey.
Vital to the ecological life cycle, Banksias provide food and shelter to an array of Australian wildlife. The imperative plant serves as a reminder of the importance of synchronicity and balance, a sentiment reflected through the form and function of the home.
Responsive and adaptable, the home harmonises with the varying coastal weather conditions, akin to the enduring nature of the Banksia. Intentional orientation ensures the home is passively heated for seasonal comfort, with the angular form framing the picturesque views and maximising natural light and breezes.
The Sleepy Seaside Town of Shoreham
A sleepy seaside town, Shoreham is located within the Mornington Peninsula an hour outside of Melbourne.
The area was initially used as a port for timber exports, with early documentation suggesting the area was laden with Sheoak and Honeysuckle trees, making it prime territory for shipments into Melbourne.
The small town is now a popular holiday destination, a quiet and relaxing spot where many go to escape the holiday crowds of the busy western shore of the peninsula.
Shoreham also has a rich artistic history, with many notable Australian artists residing and painting within the town including Arthur Boyd, Clifton Pugh and John Perceval.
The Banksia integrifolia
Adaptable and beautiful, the banksia is a native evergreen tree found within the protea family. Best known for their unique flower and serrated leaves, fossils indicate the plant has existed for around 50 million years, in which it has survived massive climate changes and shifts in land mass.
The plant has been used by indigenous people for a variety of reasons, including soaking the flowers for tea, using the cones for firebrands and utilising the wood for sewing mats and baskets.
Banksias provide food and shelter to an array of Australian wildlife due to their heavy production of nectar. They are an important food source for nectarivorous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums and bees.
Flourishing after bushfires, the banksia has woody fruits that protect the seeds, opening up after the presence of fire to release them. This feature is a direct adaptation and evolution from their rainforest origins and indicated their durability and hardy nature.
Circular Design ApproachÂ
Sustainable and robust, the home embodies a circular approach to design, with the prefabricated modular nature of the home ensuring minimal on-site construction and a reduction in waste and pollution.
It also allows for future disassembly, reuse, and recycling of components, with the inclusion of passive design elements, solar panels and water tanks further minimising the home’s environmental impact.
Circular Design
At Arkular, we are embodying principles of circularity through each phase of a dwelling’s life cycle, to optimise resources, reduce material usage and minimise waste.
The main aim of our circular approach is to reduce pollution and waste by utilising resources for as long as possible, integrating the principles of reducing, reusing, repurposing and recycling and using renewable energy and materials.
Click here to learn more about how Arkular is forging a circular path for sustainability and regeneration.
