Winner Fiji Association of Architects – Residential Award and Viti Levu Award 2024
In the Vuda house by Chris Cole Architect is a little gem with a very big and important message to all architects and the wider community around how our buildings need to be part of the sustainability solution. Carefully considered the house works with and embraces nature – keeping its touch on the earth light and in harmony with the natural elements. This little house actively engages in this ‘critical conversation’. As architects we need to listen to the message this house is telling us. HAMISH BOYD ARCHITECT – FIJI ASSOCIATION of ARCHITECTS JURY HEAD
The challenge Chris Cole set himself was to design and build a kit-set house as small and simple as possible, but as big as necessary. Superior quality engineered timber materials have been used, fixtures and fittings have been carefully selected and detailed to ensure a high quality of finish without the need for decorative trims. A raised roof section provides excellent natural ventilation and additional lighting to the interior of the space. Extended eaves and extensive use of louvres blur the line between inside and out, whilst providing valuable weather protection to this timber building. Only 65sqm in size, this flat packed house feels abundant and embedded on this undulating site overlooking the Pacific Ocean.