Wadandi people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
Injidup Springs House is a residence, recording studio, and accommodation in Yallingup on Wadandi Country. Designed in the spirit of the Australian bush and beach house vernacular, the design embraces WA’s simple ‘regional coastal shack on stilts’ typology.
The design responds to the six Noongar seasons, utilising the coastal microclimate above the treetops for ventilation and solar access. The project is BAL29-rated and delivers simple coastal bush living with partial self-sufficiency, incorporating water tanks, wastewater treatment and low-maintenance, fireproof materials to minimise embodied and operational energy.
In contrast to the status quo in coastal and regional WA, which often involves clear-felling and levelling biodiverse areas for bushfire compliance and slab-on-ground construction, this project demonstrates a sustainable alternative. By selectively retaining stands of ancient grass trees and canopy trees and ensuring a regenerated green understory, Injidup Springs House presents a viable model for preserving biodiversity in coastal and bushland housing.
Whispering Smith designed our project to perfectly suit how we live and work. They heard every note of inspiration, every quirky challenge to fit how we live as a couple, and as business partners. The studio and accommodation feel separate and offer privacy when needed, and we feel connected to the seasonal changes of our environment. We feel humbled and grateful to have completed this project with Whispering Smith – the brief was for this to be our forever home and it has certainly delivered. The thought of sharing this space for years to come is a wonderful, ‘pinch me’ one.
Kate FitzGerald, Project Architect
Nikita Filippou, Design Architect
Sean Gorman, Documentation, Design
Anna Harford, Graduate of Architecture
Claire White, Project Architect
Eco Land Clearing, Landscape Consultant
Burdett Goodison, Structural Engineer
Haverstick Designs, Acoustic Consultant
Constructive BC, Building Surveyor
Alti Lighing, Lighting Consultant
Greenrate, ESD Consultant
HWA Associates, Cost Consultant
Soundtown, AV 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.
