Larritt-Evans is an Interior Design and styling studio founded in 2010 by Claire Larritt-Evans.
Our studio has a single focus on Residential Interior Design and Styling projects.
No detail is left unattended as we consider the design from both a functional and an aesthetic perspective. Claire leads the creative design process, working with the team to skilfully deliver a considered design outcome. We work through our established processes and guide our clients through the project from conception to handover.
Claire is a member of Victorian Chapter Interior Design Practice Group with the DIA.
The unique topography of the site informed distinct design decisions, with the dramatic fall from the north to south requiring an architectural response which would allow the home to engage with the landscape across its cascading terrain. A central entry courtyard defines the arrival experience and delineates the gathering living areas from the restful bedrooms. The separation was also critical to maximise northern light into the internal spaces of the home to enjoy passive solar design to reduce the energy consumption required for heating and cooling.
The property is home to a grove of Moonah trees which shelter the corner-block from the adjacent streets, creating a private landscape experience deeply nestled in nature. The northern deck was shaped to preserve the Moonahs, while the rhythm of the windows were situated to take advantage of treetop views and natural light. The dark exterior material palette was intended to act as a backdrop to celebrate the abundant native Australian vegetation.
Nerissa features a high performance ‘sealed envelope’ exterior to prevent unwanted air exchanges with double glazed timber framed windows to avoid thermal bridges which can account for 30% of a building’s heat loss. Operable glazing was located throughout the home to allow for cross-ventilation for passive cooling in Summer. Energy efficient split system air conditioning was incorporated to supplement the heating and cooling requirements, which is offset by the 6.6kW solar PV array.
Energy efficient appliances, fixtures & services were selected to reduce energy consumption, such as the Fisher & Paykel induction cooktop, LED lighting & heat pump hot water system. A 5000L rainwater tank was installed to collect and re-use rainwater for garden taps, washing machine and toilet flushing, combined with water saving appliances and plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption over the life of the home. Low VOC paint was chosen to achieve high indoor air quality, critical to supporting the health and wellbeing of Nerissa’s occupants.
Nerissa is expected to emit 1024 tCO2e less than the average or standard building providing the same functionality. This is equivalent to planting 6145 trees, taking 223 cars off the road, building 137 zero energy Australian homes or removing 37,962,257 balloons of CO2 gas from the atmosphere.