Project

First House Past the Trees

- Barwon Heads, Australia

A thoughtful residential project in Barwon Heads, Australia, harmonizing architecture with its natural landscape.

House partially hidden by trees with a wooden fence in front.

A house partially obscured by tall, slender trees with a wooden fence in the foreground.

Story

First House Past the Trees

A harmonious blend of architecture and nature in Barwon Heads Nestled on Wadawurrung Country along the northern edge of Barwon Heads, the First House Past the Trees is a residential project that embraces its natural surroundings. The site, once vacant, is characterized by its undulating terrain and the presence of three indigenous Moonah trees, which are central to the design concept. These trees, protected and revered in the area, dictate the spatial arrangement of the house. The architecture is divided into three distinct components: two sheds, a sleeping pavilion, and a living pavilion. The sheds serve as entry points and provide essential storage, while the L-shaped sleeping pavilion is thoughtfully oriented around the Moonah trees, creating a serene connection with nature. The living pavilion is designed to be open and light-filled, accommodating the daily activities of the household. The elevation of the house allows it to float between the ground and the canopy, creating a visual separation from the garden while maintaining a strong connection through strategically placed windows. These apertures frame views of the garden, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Materials are carefully selected to reflect the surrounding environment. Monotonal fibre-cement panels and blockwork walls echo the silver bark of the Moonah trees, while timber batten screens filter light in a manner reminiscent of the tree canopies. Inside, a combination of plasterboard and plywood defines utility spaces and adds a sense of volume.

Design Highlights

Integration of indigenous Moonah trees into the architectural layout Use of monotonal fibre-cement panels and blockwork walls Timber batten screens for light filtration Elevated structure providing a floating effect Windows designed to frame garden views

Key Facts

Fact Detail
Location Barwon Heads, Australia
Architect WORKCRAFT
Year 2024
Lead Designer Josh Cole
Landscape Design Simon Taylor Landscape Design
Builder ATLA Construction

Technical summary

Updated 3/7/2026

Finishes

  • Exterior: Monotonal fiber-cement panels and blockwork walls.
  • Interior: Combination of plasterboard and plywood.

Materials

  • Fiber-cement — Exterior panels
  • Wood — Timber batten screens and interior elements
  • Glass — Windows

Construction / Systems

  • Elevated structure: The house is elevated on stilts to integrate with the natural landscape.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: light gray, natural wood tones
  • Lighting: Natural light filtered through large windows and timber screens.

Images

House partially hidden by trees with a wooden fence in front.
Exterior view of a modern house with light-colored panels and large windows, elevated on stilts, with trees nearby.
Modern building on stilts with large windows, surrounded by trees and grass.
Exterior view of a modern house with large windows, seen through the branches of a tree, with a garden and seating area.
Modern building with gray exterior on stilts, surrounded by greenery.
Residential building with large trees and wooden fence.
Wooden entrance area with slats, a bench, and a partially open door.
Interior space with wooden bench, slatted wall, and door.
Minimalist bedroom with large window, bed, built-in cabinetry, and wooden shelf.
Interior of a modern room with wood paneling, large window, and skylight.
Interior room with pendant light, built-in shelves, and a window showing greenery outside.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, stainless steel backsplash, and metal countertop.
Minimalist interior with tiled walls and floor, large window, and dark cabinet.
Floor plan of a house with various rooms and outdoor areas.

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