Creating the perfect getaway spot with glass
This lakeside pavilion is certainly something special, and not just because of its striking design.
This particular project hits close to home for architect Matthew Woodward as it’s part of his family’s property on the NSW central-coast.
Achieving a seamless connection with nature, the pavilion sits quietly some 200 metres from the main residence – creating a real sense of serene privacy.
Tethered to shore at one end and sprung like a diving-board at the other, the result is one of exquisite counter-balance. A wafer thin, graphite etched, steel frame and barely visible walls deliver a powerful impact.
Woodward was able to create this striking and zen-like space with a clever and innovative use of Viridian glass.
“VTough™ toughened safety glass works beautifully here. At the time, bushfire regulations demanded we achieve a level 2 to 3 construction rating. It’s an incredibly clear product. It’s the clearest glass we could find. Its high performing visible light transmittance was the main reason we went with Viridian. It’s bright and gives us fantastic reflections. There’s no colour and the glass has a terrific transparency,” Woodward said.
A sleek transparency is achieved with oversized Viridian glass walls, but these sliding walls also offer other fantastic benefits – allowing cooling breezes, birdsong and bush scents to effortlessly enter the space.
“In summer all you need to do is slide the glass panels and you have the northeast prevailing breezes coming straight off the water and through the pavilion. Cross-ventilation just draws cool air through. It’s beautiful. If it’s hot, you open up those panels and it cools down instantly,” he added.
We’d sure love to come visit some time!
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