Introduction
Darval and Shirley Miller designed Rochdale in the mid-fifties. The residence was sited in a quiet space, about 300 metres from the gate. on 3 hectares of bushland.
The size of the site allowed a true pavilion architecture & the distance from the nearest neighbour, a simple timber frame construction.
There were three pavilions: South (bedroom, sitting room and kitchen), Wet (bathroom, laundry) and North (studio, garage-workshop).
South pavilion was designed for extension eastwards, as indicated.
All rooms were naturally lit and ventilated, oriented to minimise solar heat gain and to capture prevailing summer breezes.
The Wet pavilion was made from stones found at the surface of the site; see images [5] & [6].
Brisbane has mild winters and humid summers. Roof insulation and wide eaves, ensured shade temperatures; large windows and sliding doors ensured high levels of interior daylight and cross ventilation.
Retention and planting of indigenous flora minimised the need for water, kept ground temperatures low and provided a habitat for native wildlife.
A design was prepared to extend and renovate South Pavilion (see Sub-page 2, [7] and [8]), however, family circumstances necessitated the family's relocation closer to the city.
Sub-pages 1 and 2 present images of house and garden; (See the side bar and also below)
Plan
Legend: G, S garage, studio; tbl toilet bath laundry; E k d s br Entrance, kitchen, dining, sitting, bedroom