Forming a headland to the lake, Attunga Point’s slightly elevated position affords a wonderful outlook and extends a subtle presence within the setting. The natural landscape of the site is characteristic of much of the surrounding edge of Lake Burley Griffin. These qualities have provided a basis for a formal building response.
The building is divided into two pavilions whose arrangement and orientation address the different requirements of both the private home environment and official and ceremonial functions of the Lodge. The building unifies these various functions with a simple form that has a modest presence respectful of the landscape character of the surroundings.
The north facing pavilion contains the Prime Minister’s office and associated official, ceremonial and support spaces. It sits on top of the ridge of the hill, opening onto the open space along the hilltop which has been preserved for outdoor functions. This strategy capitalises on the expansive outlook across the open space, with distant views to major landmarks across the lake, creating a grand atmosphere for the official and ceremonial spaces. These views extend over and are unobstructed by the second pavilion, which is embedded a level below in the hillside to the northeast.
The second pavilion contains the private home and lodgings of the Prime Minister. It is orientated to the north-east, providing morning sunlight to the residence. The siting respects the existing conservation area, and provides a more intimate atmosphere with proximate views to the existing vegetation, and clear views to the lake through the gaps between the trees. The building is partially embedded into the hilltop as a means of providing privacy from the official function areas. This is also a strategy to use the thermal mass of the earth to help moderate temperatures, and to buffer the west side of the building from heat in summer.
The linear form of the buildings generates an egalitarian plan with equal access to views, light, and breezes for the primary spaces of the building. The buildings are clad in a skin of corten steel, portions of which are perforated and can be raised for flexible climatic control, providing sunshade, breezes, privacy and security. The singular materiality reinforces the simple building form.
