A contemporary country residence for a family of three who are big on entertaining and healthy living.
Under construction.
Set within the historic conservation area of Willunga, South Australia, this new architectural home is conceived as a contemporary response to its sensitive heritage context. The design seeks to sit quietly within the landscape, drawing on a palette of natural materials that weather gracefully over time and reflect the vernacular character of the suburb.
The home is organised as a series of interconnected spaces that promote fluid movement, visual connection, and a strong relationship between indoors and outdoors. Carefully framed views and generous openings create a sense of openness while maintaining intimacy and shelter where needed. The spatial arrangement encourages passive solar performance and cross-ventilation, supporting a comfortable and sustainable way of living.
Designed for clients who are both owner-builders and passionate about cooking and entertaining, the heart of the home is a generous kitchen and dining space that anchors daily life. This central hub flows seamlessly to outdoor areas with views across the landscape to the ocean, allowing gatherings to expand effortlessly onto a raised deck and into the surrounding landscape. Throughout the home, craftsmanship and material honesty are celebrated, reflecting the clients’ hands-on approach and deep connection to the making of their own place to live.
The home is to be serviced by a series of productive gardens that will form an essential part of daily life rather than a decorative backdrop. Kitchen gardens, a small orchard area, and herb beds are positioned to be easily accessed from key living spaces, reinforcing a strong connection between growing, harvesting, and cooking. Views to the gardens are carefully framed throughout the home, allowing seasonal change and daily activity to become part of the interior experience. The gardens are designed to be practical and robust, with generous paths, integrated water storage, and areas for composting, reflecting the client’s commitment to sustainable, hands-on living.
Beyond supporting everyday meals, the productive gardens are planned to facilitate future cooking classes hosted by the client. Outdoor work areas, shaded gathering spaces, and clear circulation between the gardens and kitchen allow groups to move easily from harvesting ingredients to preparing and sharing food. The gardens become both a teaching resource and a social setting, encouraging learning through participation and fostering a sense of connection to food, place, and community. In this way, the landscape and architecture work together to support both present needs and future ambitions, extending the home’s role beyond private dwelling to a place of shared knowledge and experience.
The result is a refined yet grounded family home that balances contemporary architectural expression with respect for Willunga’s historic setting, offering a timeless and functional environment shaped by the lives of its inhabitants.