House at Hanging Rock

BACKGROUND: 'House at Hanging Rock' is a residence located within the Hanging Rock nature reserve in central Victoria. It comprises a rhomboid-shaped roof arranged over three parallel terraces constructed from pre-cast concrete walls. In 2014 it was the recipient of Australia's most prestigious residential architectural prize, the 'Robin Boyd Award' at the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Architecture Awards, after previously winning the 'Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award for Residential Architecture Houses' at the AIA Victorian Architecture Awards. CONTRIBUTION: 'House at Hanging Rock' responds to the unique landscape, organising 'interior and exterior space and the extended site through a series of parallel bands'. It provides shelter and protection from the elements, including extreme fluctuations of temperatures and dangerous bushfires, while the interior conveys a feeling of intimacy in contrast with the spectacular, vast expanses of the surrounding area. This work draws on Thompson's ongoing practice and design research focussing on architecture as a civic endeavour, forging connections between buildings, their surroundings and the people who inhabit them. SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of 'House at Hanging Rock' is evidenced through its two AIA awards. The National Architecture Awards have been held annually since 1981 and are the most prestigious in the design and construction industry, recognising outstanding achievements and excellence in architecture.The work featured in the book 'Living in the Landscape' and received extensive media coverage including articles in The Age, The Australian, Daily Mail Australia and The Guardian; magazine features in Dezeen, Homes and Dwell; and coverage in Architecture Australia and Architecture Victoria.