Torquay Concrete House

This is a house of concrete, designed for a concreter – the material has been fully embraced with all its inherent strengths and flaws. Designed by Auhaus Architecture they relinquished control over imperfections innate to the material, leaving surfaces untreated. Paired with natural hardwood, the house is elemental and raw, but nonetheless warm and welcoming as a home for this young family – the concreter, the artist, the child and two dogs.

Principles of passive thermal regulation are employed throughout the house, resulting in stable internal temperatures year round. Insulated hydronic infill slabs reduce heat loss into the ground during winter whilst cross-ventilation, deep eaves, and the concrete structure’s inherent thermal mass keep the house cool in summer. Materials used require little maintenance, and are purposed for longevity to age over time.