Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
This compact house is shaped by a series of purposeful moves that emphasise generosity from limited means. Anchored into an existing brick-terrace, it settles into the hillside while preserving a generous northern garden.
The plan is stacked to minimise footprint and cost, allowing living spaces to rise toward light, sky and the horizon beyond. Ground-floor rooms are calm and connected directly to garden. Above, the house opens outward, where a folded ceiling creates volume and supports natural stack ventilation through an operable skylight. Movement through the house is direct and guided by changes in volume and light rather than corridors.
The layered red brick is used as a material of history and permanence, embedding the building within its layered context and giving it a relic-like presence.
Delivered within a modest budget, the project demonstrates how careful planning and attention to light can produce spaces that feel generous, purposeful and enduring.
The way the house connects us to the garden has changed how we live. The kitchen flows directly outside, so we’re always close to the kids while they play. The ground floor works naturally for our young family.
Upstairs offers a different experience. The separate living space and expansive view make it a perfect retreat. We love stargazing and watching the moon rise from our living room.
The light throughout the house is captivating. It’s like living in an oil painting. As it moves across the textured walls, it shifts the mood of the whole house.