Eagle Eye - Darwin

The owner of this dramatic home is Mike Rozak. As a computer programmer and software developer,
Mike wanted a house that was “unique.” Designed by Troppo Architects and built by Tag
Construction the house is definitely unique in its style but it effectively incorporates all the
sensible principles of tropical passive solar design.

There are basically two seasons where the house is located - the "Dry" season from April through
September, and the "Wet" season from October through March. The dry season has high
temperatures of 32 Degrees Celsius and lows of 17 at night with no rain for up to six months at
a time. All of Darwin's rain (about 2 metres of it) is saved up for the wet season, with highs of
36 Degrees Celsius and lows of 22, compounded by 90% humidity. Darwin is also visited by
cyclones, some of which have done terrific damage, so all in all it is quite a demanding climate.
The other prevalent type of house was built as a kind of bunker. They are low to the ground,
built with cement blocks, core-filled to withstand the impact of flying debris from cyclones and
the large louvered windows are reduced to small holes that would keep out flying missiles.

Locals affectionately call them "hot boxes" and during the wet season the inside temp is 32 during
the day and 31 at night. Air conditioning is therefore required. The owner’s goals included
letting the structure show through, like Frank Lloyd Wright's houses. Also, to let the house be what
it is, be low maintenance and take advantage of the house site and climate. Mike wanted a
house that people would notice, although not so outlandish that it would offend the neighbours.

“I'd rather have my house use plain-looking finishes, but have it last. Of course, building to last isn't cheap, especially when your house must survive cyclones, bush fires, termites, and floods.”

Eagle Eye is elevated, providing more of a breeze than if it were on the ground. The elevation also
improves the view, provides protection from termites, and makes it a bit more difficult for snakes
and insects to get in. The house is divided into three sections, the main living area with kitchen,
dining room, and living room, and two bedroom wings, each of which has two bedrooms and a
full bath. Dividing the house into three sections maximizes the breezes because each section is
only one room deep. This means that every room has a view and it solves some of the intra-house
noise problems. The house feels larger than it actually is. Even though the house is only about 200
square meters, it's 30 meters from end to end. In the center of the house, joining all three sections
together, is a tower that people can climb to get a 360 degree view.

The house's structure is entirely steel. The roof and walls are zincalum corrugated metal which is
long lasting, termite safe, and non-flammable. The metallic coating also reflects much of the
sunlight, helping to keep the house cool and it is easy to clean. The interior walls are plywood.
It's easy to clean and fairly difficult to damage. Most of the floors are decking hardwood with small
gaps to further promote airflow. The walls are mostly windows, either louvered windows or a
wall of insect screening. Not only is insect screening cheaper than louvers, but it's barely visible.
People feel much more exposed to nature, especially when a downpour is blown in through
the screens. The house employs a solar electricity system and collects all its own rainwater.
All appliances and lights are energy efficient and the cook top and oven runs cheaply on gas.

---

For more information regarding building or renovating, check the website:
Northern Territory Government Department of Infrastructure,
Planning and Environment www.lpe.nt.gov.au

---