Six teams of architects and designers apply their big ideas on a small scale to design and build cubby houses for charity Kids Under Cover.
The 2015 Kids Under Cover Cubby House Challenge called for playful, creative sanctuaries made using sustainable materials. The design teams have answered the brief with roof-top gardens, vibrant colours and visual trickery.
The 2015 cubbies are:
Vardro Hut by Doherty Design.
Image: Andy Johnson
Vardro Hut – Doherty Design, built by Visual Builders
This design is inspired by tree houses and gypsy caravans. The dual-level cubby, made from common suburban garden materials, features bold playful forms. There are multiple entry points including a pivoting round door. Internal moveable elements help develop children’s fine motor skills.
Liar, liar, pants on fire by Atkinson Pontifex
Image: Courtesy Kids Under Cover
Liar, liar, pants on fire – Atkinson Pontifex (design and build)
Made from recycled cladding, the multiple frames of this cubby form a shingle-clad facade when viewed from one side and the seven arches of a rainbow when viewed from the other. Transparent panels in between the frames create a light-filled interior. This cubby also features a green roof.
The Tent by Randal Hampson and Jamie Smith (assistant designers, Porter Davis Homes).
Image: Courtesy Kids Under Cover
Little Harris – Hot Black, buit by Harris HMC
This sky-blue cubby is made from recycled materials. It features a living roof, roof-top terrace and a hidden drop-down window bench.
The Tent – Randal Hampson and Jamie Smith (assistant designers, Porter Davis Homes), built by Porter Davis Homes
Shaped like a teepee, The Tent is clad in rustic timber panels and its outdoor features include a sandpit.
Eco-Cubby by Fraser Paxton.
Image: Courtesy Kids Under Cover
The Bright Knight – Knight Building Group (design and build)
The Bright Knight is a box-like cubby with a colourful geometric facade made using innovative materials.
Eco-Cubby – Fraser Paxton, built by Bondor
This timber-battened cubby is made with an insulated cool frame and a vegetated rooftop that helps to cool and to blend with the surrounding environment.
The cubbies will be auctioned in a twilight cocktail party hosted by architect Peter Maddison on Friday 27 March, at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Bidding starts at $6,500 and the money raised will go to supporting the work of Kids Under Cover. In past years, some cubbies have attracted bids of up to $10,000. The challenge has raised more than $300,000 for the charity since its inception in 2009.
Kids Under Cover raises funds to prevent young people from becoming homeless as well as raising awareness of the importance keeping families together and engaging young people in education and their communities. The money raised will go towards providing studio accommodation for young people as well as scholarships and mentorship programs.
The Cubby House Challenge is part of the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show (25–29 March, 2015) and all cubbies will be on display until 29 March.
