The Essex, Bayswater
A passive solar courtyard home on a corner block.
Passive Solar Home · Bassendean, PerthThe
Harcourt.
A two-storey family home shaped by light, privacy and climate. Laser-cut screens filter the sun, a sculptural stone fireplace anchors the home, and passive solar design keeps it comfortable all year.
Project overview
A response to
climate, privacy and light.
The Harcourt is a carefully considered two-storey home in Bassendean, designed to make the most of natural light, improve thermal comfort and create calm, protected living in a suburban setting. It balances openness with privacy, using layered elements that filter light and frame the experience of the home.
At its core are passive solar principles: orientation, shading and thermal mass working together to keep the home comfortable through the seasons, with minimal reliance on heating and cooling.
Location
Bassendean, Perth WA
Type
Two-storey family home
Design
Passive solar principles
Feature
Laser-cut screening
Anchor
Sculptural stone fireplace
The design
Light, filtered and
purposefully shaped.
Light as a living material: shifting and moving through the home all day, shaped by laser-cut screens and careful solar design.
The upper level is wrapped in laser-cut screens. These perforated panels soften the sunlight into a dappled glow while keeping privacy from the street and neighbours. Through the day, light moves across the surfaces, bringing atmosphere into every room.
Downstairs, connected living spaces flow out to a protected courtyard. Large glazed openings blur inside and out, encourage natural ventilation and connect daily life to the garden.
"Light as a living material, moving through laser-cut screens to bring atmosphere into every room."
A sculptural stone fireplace chimney anchors the home, both as a focal point and as a grounding material. It contrasts with the lighter upper form for a layered look that feels contemporary and timeless. The palette is restrained: light-toned volumes, darker cladding and textured stone for depth and longevity.
Design features
Designed around
light and privacy.
Laser-cut screening
Perforated panels on the upper level soften sunlight into a dappled glow while keeping privacy from the street.
Passive solar principles
Orientation, shading and thermal mass deliver year-round comfort with minimal reliance on heating and cooling.
Protected courtyard
Ground-floor living flows into a sheltered courtyard through large glazed openings.
Sculptural stone fireplace
A stone chimney anchors the home and contrasts with the lighter upper form.
Natural ventilation
Well-placed openings encourage cross-ventilation, reducing heat build-up through Perth summers.
Restrained materials
Light volumes, darker cladding and textured stone create depth, contrast and a home that ages beautifully.
Learn more
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