Part of our focus is to provide a variety of different and challenging housing types; alternatives to the limited forms of housing available from mainstream builders. The Pavilions is yet another Rural Building Company concept that meets that challenge.

By definition a pavilion is a light, more or less open structure for purposes of shelter, pleasure, etc.

Frankly, we couldn't think of a more fitting name to describe this home. It has a light, open core that relates to the building itself. The entry, which channels between the left and right pavilions, allows them to interact with the rear spaces while forming a tie between the buildings.

Designed to control the separation of private and public zones, The Pavilions also sought to control air movement and sun penetration in order to maximise the benefit of the natural environment for comfort and energy saving.

While the style of the building prescribes a preferred north-south axis, an east-west axis will also work if the garage is faced to the west and windows opened onto the now blank wall for northern sun.

The chosen axis allows the garage to be placed on the most negative weather position and provide protection to that pavilion. It also allows us to minimise the widow exposure to the other pavilion, which faces south, and to gain northern sun exposure to the rear of both pavilions.

The nature of the H shape traps cooling, south-west breezes at the front and then forces them through the building to the rear, cooling down the buildings in summer. All of the rooms have been set up for cross ventilation with louvres and awning windows used to maximise control.

The left pavilion's western wall is devoid of windows to eliminate the passage of western sun. Two screens over the windows at the rear eliminate the passage of summer sun while allowing the penetration of winter sun.

The garage, located in the left pavilion, allows convenient and private access to the kitchen. Speaking of which, the kitchen is no ordinary project style. It was designed in consultation with celebrity chef, Geoff Jansz, and cupboard top manufacturers, Corian. It prescribes to Geoff's theory of a kitchen being an entertainment hub as well as a food preparation area.

The very placement of the hot plate allows you to communicate with guests while preparing a meal, in the same manner as you would view on a lifestyle TV cooking show. Corian tops have been used for versatility and because they provide a seamless, impervious surface that can easily be repaired at any time during the life of the kitchen.

Large drawers and cupboards provide easy storage while the elimination of the mullions and corner opening cupboards make access easy. We have also used very large appliance cupboards that, when opened, allow access to a free flow of bench space for easy food preparation, and the sinks are deep and convenient for washing pots.

Naturally, the appliances chosen to complement such a kitchen are top of the range Westinghouse from Electrolux. We choose Australian appliances for the easy availability and because of the internal size of the oven, bigger than most European imports.

Our objective was to provide the style of kitchen you would build if you were renovating, as these tend to be far superior to those normally built into a new home, primarily because of cost.

The living space beyond the kitchen incorporates a limestone fireplace. This free-form space is large enough to accommodate an array of different furniture layouts. The dining embraces the new attitude with its relationship to the kitchen and large living space, and provides views to an internal side court and to the rear.

On entering the right pavilion you will be instantly aware of some very different zoning. The arrangement of two double bedrooms to the front and the master and study to the rear divides this into two different suites, providing complete privacy for each area while combining the rooms to a collective group.

Depending on circumstances, the studio could become a private lounge for guests or a private retreat for children. The office is located next to the master bedroom and, while providing complete privacy to that area, can easily be accessed from the entry without going into the home.

The fittings to all wet areas are of a standard one would expect with a home such as this.

We have not compromised with The Pavilion. It has been designed and built to function in a specific way and for the type of home owner that is very discerning and aware of the benefits that good aesthetics, design and function can provide for their way of living.