Architect, James Russell's private home won major awards and was featured in Australian and international magazines, but it was not completely finished until he made the final adjustments three years after the home was completed.
The inner-Brisbane home, created between two heritage-listed buildings on what was once an old car park, is full of unique touches including a central open air grassed courtyard surrounded by rooms and living space. But, the home was attracting mosquitoes
According to James, when he designed the house, nothing was available to screen the opening to the courtyard without being invasive. It was important that the house and the open outdoor space were not obstructed.
The availability of the S1 screening system from Centor Architectural made James to reemploy the builders to make some adjustments. The S1 system is an architecturally designed retractable insect screen for large doors and windows. The S1 screening system includes single span screens up to 3.05m high and 7.4m wide which retract invisibly into the door frame.
As the S1 screening system can be fitted to any existing door or window, James was able to design them into his existing home with minimal adjustments made to the foundations.
Builders removed small sections of timber and flooring to install the tracks and storage space for the screens. As there are no panels or mullions in the screens, the view is not obstructed. The screens are also unnoticeable.
James' screens are 4.35m wide and 2.4m high and are located at both ends of the courtyard, protecting the kitchen area at one end and the living space at the other. The screening system is also easy to use. It slides effortlessly with one finger, allowing one to control the house and still enjoy the breeze, fresh air and outside noises.
James' home won the Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture at the Queensland Architecture Awards in 2006 and was placed second nationally.