Wodi Wodi
New South Wales
Regional
Nestled beneath Woodhill Mountain on the NSW South Coast, Woodhill Garden House by Studio ZAWA is a sensitive reimagining of a modest rural dwelling for clients Brian Zulaikha and Janet Laurence. Prioritising adaptation over demolition, the design celebrates the existing structure’s vernacular form while dissolving boundaries between house and garden. A new central verandah forms the social and architectural heart, drawing breezes, light, and views deep into the home. Sustainability is embedded through passive solar design, thermal mass, rainwater harvesting, native planting, and a fully electric system powered by a rooftop solar array. Expressive, tactile materials and careful detailing reflect the ethos of the Sydney School, while local sourcing and low-impact decisions minimise environmental footprint. The result is a house that embraces seasonal change, supports biodiversity, and invites slow living — a contemporary model for regenerative architecture grounded in place, memory, and care.
Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
This house was designed to embrace seasonal changes and a sense of calmness while being a sustainable build. A sensitive reinterpretation of three existing pavilions has beautifully achieved this through minimal intervention, that has been more about removing than adding. Retaining the parts that already sing and stripping back accumulated ill-conceived additions, the design clears a path between two of the pavilions, creating a new central heart that connects to the ever-evolving rich gardens around the house. The owners’ personalities have also been woven into every detail of the design including several artworks that have become part of the building’s fabric.
EmAGN Project Award shortlist, Sustainability shortlist
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions)
This house was designed to embrace seasonal changes and a sense of calmness while being a sustainable build. A sensitive reinterpretation of three existing pavilions has beautifully achieved this through minimal intervention, that has been more about removing than adding. Retaining the parts that already sing and stripping back accumulated ill-conceived additions, the design clears a path between two of the pavilions, creating a new central heart that connects to the ever-evolving rich gardens around the house. The owners’ personalities have also been woven into every detail of the design including several artworks that have become part of the building’s fabric.
We have wombats wander right up to the house, birds singing in the trees and fruit and veg from our garden strewn across the kitchen island. The house lets us 'live' in the garden and connect with beautiful natural environment in which we are situated. This connection feels effortless and when we arrive home there is an instant sigh and feeling of calm warmth. You don't see this in photos but you feel it.