Magic Carpet House | Hartree + Associates Architects

Magic Carpet House | Hartree + Associates Architects | Photographer: Acorn Photo

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Magic Carpet House | Hartree + Associates Architects

Traditional Land Owners

Whadjuk people

Year
2026
Chapter

Western Australia

Category
Interior Architecture
Builder
Jumeirah Luxury Homes
Photographer
Acorn Photo
Jody D’Arcy
RNFstudio
Media summary

Aesthetics respond to our clients’ connection to the entertainment industry and request for “playful forms and a sense of drama” (they met as extras on the set of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back). A sequence of contrasting architectural moments defines the experience. To begin, the pianist’s window hovers above the garden quietly, the entry and lobby amplify vertical scale, animated by the sculptural “Vader Staircase.” This intensity is then compressed into panoramic proportions for primary living spaces, where views broaden northward across the beautiful Swan River.

 

Stone and concrete anchor the home to its landscape, contrasting a sinuous roof that launches itself and the homes occupants into the views and sky (Magic Carpet). Interiors are guided by principles of authenticity; spaces that invite reflection, sensual pleasure, order. Layered cool tones against tactile blacks – a neutral backdrop for art, furniture and entertainment – vinyl soundtracks conducted by John Williams.

As recent retirees our forever home plays a huge role in our lives. The house reflects our love of entertaining, is practical & fun for our growing family of grandchildren. It allows us to age in place. We required natural ways to provide year round comfort which has been achieved with great flow through breezes with the cost effective addition of PV cells & batteries for heating & cooling. With a connection to the entertainment industry we added a touch of drama to the project with a striking waved roof, a sweeping staircase & stunning powder room that never fails to amaze our visitors

Project Practice Team

David Hartree, Design Architect
David Bennet, Project Architect

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