Mystery Bay House Project | Acacia Joinery

Client Needs

The incredible landscape at Mystery Bay lended itself to this concept beautifully. The country expands to distant horizons, and gives the sense of endless wilderness. To honour this sense of expansiveness, the dwelling was designed to lovingly trace the natural contours of the land.

The Acacia team were tasked with creating a western façade that could open out to the landscape, whilst also offering protection from the afternoon sun and cold winds off the lake. Overall, Acacia needed to provide a solution where the dwelling and natural landscape merged, while also offering the peace and tranquility that comes with a comfortable living space.

Challenges

The verandah concept was realised by a 25 metre long multi sliding door unit and integrated screen track system. This huge door unit dissolved the separation between indoors and outdoors. The sheer scale of this door unit posed two significant challenges: ensuring structural integrity, and navigating the logistical complications.

The structural demands of this project gave rise to greater engineering needs. The timber frame needed to be engineered correctly and stabilised with steel reinforcement.
Logistics – we needed to plan ahead and construct this door in a way which would allow for it to be transported safely.

Solutions

The Acacia team worked closely with the project’s structural engineer, Ron Hawkins. Throughout the project, we continuously shared information with Ron. The close collaboration and information sharing at this planning stage was absolutely crucial.

Secondly, the Acacia team designed this door a little differently. It was constructed in multiple sections to allow for transportation. It was then reassembled on site.

Outcome

The seamless and earthy beauty of this home speaks volumes. The Acacia team not only captured the boundless westward view, but also created harmonious synergy between the interior and exterior environments.

The 25 metre sliding door unit was successfully tested, dissembled, transported, and reassembled on site. The door unit was assembled perfectly, and functioned without a single issue.

Both the clients and architect were thrilled with the outcome. The success of the project was really felt by the Acacia team when we had the honour of seeing this project air on the TV show, Grand Designs. Overall, this outcome is proof that careful planning, close collaboration and thoughtful engineering can create majestic results.

“Acacia provide an excellent service – from assisting with the resolution of design details, to precise shop drawings, to beautifully fabricated timber doors and windows.

Acacia embrace challenges, like the 25-metre-long door and screen track for Mystery Bay House, and their attention to detail and craftmanship is top-notch.”

Jack Hawkins, Jack Hawkins Architect, Architect

Mystery Bay House

Project Details

Project Overview