This family home is nestled amongst the gums, cantilevering dramatically over the sloped site so it feels more like a treehouse than a regular home.

With views from the site cascading down the hill towards Gardiners Creek Reserve in Melbourne’s Blackburn, this modular home crafted by ArchiBlox harmoniously embraces the natural context of the surrounds whilst maximising the sustainable orientation of the site. Separated into two wings to maximise the views, both forms cantilever dramatically over their lower edges sitting above the natural ground level.

The living area wing is elevated and sits proudly over a rocky native garden giving privacy to the living spaces within. Jutting past the adjoining bedroom wing with massive windows wrapping around the leading edge opens up viewing corridors towards the natural bush. Double height voids mimic the soaring nature of the native gums that are prolific in the area, natural timbers enhance the biomimicry and dark tones of other external elements create recessive forms.

The adjoining master bedroom wing is softened in appearance by the greying blackwood timber lining, becoming more reclusive and blending further into the bush surrounds emulating a warmth and privacy expected of the space within.

A northern wall runs the length of the living, kitchen and dining area. With high doorways sliding open to blend onto external living spaces annihilating the separation of indoor to outdoor.

Internally spaces are designed for life, minimising the footprint of the built form to maximise the liveability of the external. Family rooms, study spaces, day beds and circulation have all been thoughtfully planned to ensure that the family and has a future in this space is allowed to thrive.

The form harmonises sits with the beautiful natural landscaping, the cantilevered home and garden make the most of this sloping site creating stunning outlooks.Informal outdoor spaces wrap around the house including pool and dining area, combines with beautiful natural landscaping.

In essence, the uniqueness of this site within such a built up urban context was a pleasure to work with. Escaping the bustle of contemporary life and the noise of traffic down alleyways lined with trees and roofed with leaves was a joy. We only had the opportunity to touch this environment briefly but it has left lasting impressions on all of our team members who came into contact with it. It must be a joy to live with daily.

Project scope The construction of a sustainable contemporary home sitting within a native landscape. Living areas opening towards the east and north, views captured to the west. Overall 2 living areas, dining, kitchen, pantry, study, powder room ensuite and master bedroom occupy the middle level. Three bedrooms and a shared bathroom occupy the upper floor. Both are over the top of a garage and store area.

Project design intent and objectives. To minimize the internal circulation to ensure that the buildings footprint was reduced to the lowest figure plausible. Creating a “tiny house” with a big heart practically all internal corridors have been removed in a thoughtful an imaginative footprint.

Environmentally sustainable design principles and initiatives. Sustainable materials externally including FSC Certified Timber Large expanses of north glazing to the majority of habitable rooms. This only habitable space not to receive northern or eastern light is the master bedroom. Aluminium improved argon filled double glazed window units to the western windows were incorporated to ensure the natural aspect of the site could be capitalised upon with views towards the reserve. Energy efficient appliances. Low VOC internal paints, natural oils and decking oils. Native drought tolerant landscaping.

Some products used: 1. COLORBOND® steel in Monument 2. Clad in blackbutt timber FSC certifiedtimber 3. Matt Black Laminex 3. Essa Stone benchtop 3. Tasmanian Oak joinery and light fitting

We also had a reference from the client for this project. I was recommended to Archiblox through a friend. I met with Bill - The Architect and the whole thing just made sense.The designs are modern and sustainable, there is no need to tender for a builder and you get an architect designed house using their modular approach. I have had so many comments on my house and I love it. The Archiblox approach takes a lot of stress out the whole process, they are professional, creative and the build was on time! A beautiful house and a great experience! Thanks Ilona