Faulconbridge House

A local builder approached Jakaan Architects to design his dream home on a highly challenging triangular site. Positioned between a road and railway lines, the property was only 20 metres deep at its widest point. The site also presented significant environmental challenges, including a bushfire flame zone, overhead powerlines and exposure to fire-prone Blue Mountains bushland.

The brief was to design a home that could essentially function as a fire bunker within the flame zone. The result was a black steel house with sliding panels that can fully lock down during a bushfire, providing protection against extreme conditions while maintaining a strong architectural character.

Adding to the complexity, the site was not connected to conventional services and required the integration of a Wisconsin sand mound eco evaporative sewer treatment system, providing a more sustainable approach to waste management.

This project demonstrates Jakaan Architects’ experience in bushfire-resilient architecture and designing for challenging Blue Mountains sites. The home combines practical bushfire protection, engineering and considered residential design to create a highly resilient place to live.