Walbunja people of the Yuin nation
New South Wales
Yowani (‘North Place in the Yuin Language’), sits on the periphiphery of a Northern Headland, atop a falling site to the Pacific ocean where the 2019 bushfires ravaged the original home.
This project nods to the calamity of those bushfires, anchoring itself into the shale and granite bed of the site. An elegant skillion roof transitions the form down the steep site, allowing for the robust brick shell to express the stretched north and south elevations, protecting from the prevailing weather patterns and the high bushfire risk, whilst optimising the buildings thermal comfort. The tessellating tones of the dry pressed bricks soften the building within the harsh and rocky embankment, while Earthy warm tones and sandy speckled textures are grounded yet distinct with the natural context. This home celebrates a raw and simple harmony which encapsulates a place for relaxing, relishing and slowing down as a collective family
Arriving at our coastal home is truly transformative. The moment we step inside, the connection to that expansive, ever-changing ocean view shifts our perspective from the concerns of our daily lives and we can breathe a sigh of relief. The beautiful natural materials of the house are drawn from the palette and textures of the surrounding landscape, giving us a firm sense of place and demonstrating a deep design sympathy and sensitivity to the environment. We love the light and space of the design, its connection to the surrounding native garden, where we enjoy observing the local birdlife.