The Wye River ‘Y’ House

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: In the aftermath of the devastating 2015 bushfires that swept through Wye River, Victoria, Architect Andrew Simpson was commissioned to design the Wye House as a replacement for a family retreat that had been reduced to ashes. This project was not only about rebuilding a structure but also about creating a sanctuary that could withstand the harsh coastal elements and potential bushfire threats.
​
𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀: The design of Wye House was driven by the need for resilience and sustainability. Situated in a bushfire-prone area, the choice of materials was critical. UniCote® Coastal in Monolith, a sleek deep grey appearance, was selected for its robustness and aesthetic harmony with the rugged coastal landscape. The house features Stramit Longspan for both roofing and cladding, providing a seamless look that blends durability with modern design.
​
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: One of the biggest challenges was building on a site with the highest Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings. UniCote® Coastal was chosen for its superior fire resistance and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
​
Its addition of magnesium to the zinc/aluminium alloy coating allows the metal to self-heal around cut edges, significantly enhancing its durability against corrosion and fire. Importantly, UniCote® Coastal meets the stringent requirements of AS/NZS 1530.3, the standard for Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, ensuring that it provides the highest level of fire protection necessary for such vulnerable environments.
​
𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Andrew Simpson Architects designed the Wye House to accommodate three generations, each with its distinct wing, offering unique views and living spaces that connect through a central communal area. This triptych design not only fosters family reconnection but also maximises the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, creating a living artwork of resilience and architectural beauty.
​
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: The use of UniCote® Coastal ensured that every aspect of the house from roofing to cladding was equipped to handle the saline air and potential bushfire threats. The material’s robustness was complemented by its aesthetic flexibility, allowing it to align with the house’s modern architectural lines while providing the necessary safety features.
​
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: The rebuild of Wye House stood as a symbol of recovery and resilience for the Wye River community. By utilising UniCote® Coastal, the project not only addressed the environmental challenges but also set a benchmark for future constructions in fire-prone and coastal areas.
​
𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The project has not only been a personal triumph showcasing resilience and community for the family but has also been recognized in architectural circles, showcasing the effectiveness of using innovative materials like UniCote® Coastal in challenging environments. It has received accolades for its design and sustainability practices.
​
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀: Wye House exemplifies how thoughtful design paired with advanced building materials like UniCote® Coastal can overcome natural adversities to create a safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing family home. It stands as a testament to the resilience of architecture and the possibilities of new construction technologies in face of climate challenges.