Raintree Place House | Staged New House
The Raintree Place Residence stands as a testament to a long-term architectural vision, personally undertaken by GGI partner Greg Gould. This project commenced with the design of his own inaugural home, situated on a challenging, heavily forested, and steeply sloping site bordering a national park in inner-city Cairns.
Operating within an ambitious budget, Greg embarked on an extensive exploration of design possibilities inherent within the rich rainforest environment. A primary focus was to meticulously identify and retain significant existing trees, and to thoughtfully integrate natural waterways into the dwelling's simple yet profound design. Paramount to the architectural philosophy were seamless indoor-outdoor relationships and the implementation of passive cooling strategies. The design meticulously maximized natural breezes and framed picturesque views, embodying a core principle of 'touching the earth lightly'.
Over the subsequent two decades, the residence underwent several thoughtful extensions, each meticulously adhering to the original design principles and sustainable ethos.
The material palette, including stained plywood, timber battening, and zincalume metal sheeting, was integral to achieving the desired aesthetic and functional performance, harmonizing with the natural surroundings while ensuring durability in the tropical climate.