Garage + Deck + Landscape, Murphy George House

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Research background: This project investigates issues related to archiectural sustainability. The design approach tests the combination of architectural and landscape solutions with judicious minimal gestures that create spaces for various different activities. Research contribution: To quote the Australian Institute of Architects (Small Project Award) statement: "Although the structure appears as a humble garage come store with a deck above, it is an impressive product of imaginative problem solving rendered possible via a lasting and trusting client-architect relationship. The project's cleverness includes an introduced native landscape that drifts geometrically to and across the property boundary to connect the neighbouring house, presenting a new potential for contemporary suburbia. The potential of the site's level changes is explored by the placement of a garage/storeroom with angled door at street level, which rises to create a deck/outdoor area above." Research significance: Aside from winning the Victorian AIA small project award (2012), the project has been peer reviewed in the following: Stephen Crafti, 'Baracco + Wright Architects, Skew Pyramid' in Courtyards for Modern Living (Images Publishing, 2008), pp. 10 -13 and Toby Horrocks 'Garage + Deck + Landscape', Houses, no. 89, 2012, p. 138. 'Houses', published by Architecture Media, is Australia's leading residential architecture magazine.