Desert House: Economical living solution in Alice Springs keeps cool in harsh climates

THE MacDonnell ranges in Central Australia may be one of the country’s most spectacular natural creations. But behind the surreal beauty lies a harsh and demanding environment with extreme temperatures ranging from -6C to 45C, dry and rocky soils and little rain.

Nevertheless, Dunn and Hillam Architects didn’t shy away when a professional couple asked the Sydney-based firm to build a sustainable house nestled into a line of rocky hills near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, with view of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

The brief was to create a building with several living spaces that engages with the landscape and minimises energy use. A house that frames and contrasts the desert landscape but is clean, white and dust free inside.

The client’s request showed real commitment to the small desert town that is often plagued with a transient population and generic building choices poorly suited to the environment and have little longevity in mind.

The outer shell of the house is a lightweight steel “fly roof” that protects the dwelling from the harsh sun. Picture: Kilian O’Sullivan

The result is the Desert House – an award-winning project, economical, tough yet responsive and most of all comfortable.

It is low energy-consuming. It opens and shuts, heats and cools, it shelters and it expands and at the same time is in perfect dialogue with its surroundings.

The courtyard allows northern sunlight to enter the home during the deep of winter and offers a space for retreat. Picture: Kilian O’Sullivan

Dunn and Hillam described the house as “a Big Hat over an Esky”.

Its outer shell is a lightweight steel “fly roof” that protects the house from unwanted sun. The body of the house is lined with matt fibre-cement sheeting, a neutral tone and welcome shadow. And a courtyard, shielded from the ranges, is covered in hardwood, a dark tone that protects the interior from reflected glare.

Windows and openings allow residents to move cool air throughout the building. Picture: Kilian O’Sullivan

Cut into rock, the house captures the thermal, cool mass of the rock and uses it to regulate the internal temperature of the building.

The cool air created within the shaded ground under the central courtyard and the lower floor of the house is drawn upwards through the house by the heated air under the fly roof. Numerous windows and openings allow the residents to move the cool air around the building.

The interior offers refuge from the heat and landscape. Picture: Kilian O’Sullivan

Rooms are arranged in three wings around the courtyard. It enables the residents to move around, inside and outside, while still being protected from the sun.

The interior is a restful, white refuge from the climate and landscape and the frantic working pace of the clients.

Light tones and clean line inside the building stand in stark contrast to the harsh environment outside. Picture: Kilian O’Sullivan

A delicate steel-and-timber deck on the west face of the building offers full-frontal engagement with the ranges.

Dunn and Hillam said the innovative approach to house-building was based on the wisdom of desert people from around the world and their own experience of building in remote areas.

Constructing a vast part of the building off-site saved money and time.

A delicate steel-and-timber deck on the west face of the building offers full-frontal engagement with the ranges. Picture: Kilian O’Sullivan