Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung
Victoria
The project is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, responding to the contours of the Yarra River bank while maintaining a strong visual link to the city. Rather than imposing itself on the site, the dwelling is carefully nestled into the existing terrain. This design strategy buries the structure within the landscape, ensuring it remains discreet from the river and adjacent walking paths, making it almost imperceptible from the public domain. The architectural philosophy embraces the idea of blending built form with nature—landscape elements flow seamlessly onto the roof, and the structure itself extends beyond its envelope, dissolving boundaries between the built and natural environments.
The design brings in abundant natural light. The rooftop garden provides additional open garden space for outside living with the additional effect of thermal stability. The ambience, Zen and functionality of the house brings in tranquility and contentedness which ultimately affects our day to day lives, allowing unhindered inspiration and creativity for our work. The design also incorporated multiple sections of the house where our children can have their private space alone to study or to socialise with their friends.
Dominic Piccolo, Design Architect
Daniel van Schaik, Project Architect
Maurice Farrugia and Associates, Engineer
LBS Living Building Solutions, ESD Consultant
Ratio, Services Consultant
Wrap Engineering Pty Ltd, Services Consultant
Urbis, Town Planner
John Patrick Landscape Architects, Landscape Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
