They Built Their Japanese-Inspired Home So That Their Children Could Inherit It
In Melbourne, a family builds a forever house with simplicity, sustainability, and longevity top of mind.
In Melbourne, a family builds a forever house with simplicity, sustainability, and longevity top of mind.
Melbourne-based Natalie and Lauren, who both work in the medical profession, wanted to create a family home that they could one day pass on to their two young children. They dreamed of it being a flexible space that would adapt to the needs of the family over time, as well as the changing climate. Their foresight allowed them to build in a range of future-proofing measures from the ground up.
The striking shou sugi ban cladding is one of this family home’s many sustainable measures. Noki-style eaves keep the home cool in summer while allowing more light to penetrate the interior in winter.
Photo by Marnie Hawson
"Having just brought little people into the world, we asked ‘What will this world look like for them as they get older?’" Natalie explains. "We’ve always been environmentally minded and it was always a dream of ours to pass something on to our kids. So, the sustainable building ideal went hand in hand with trying to give them that edge in life, while also considering how it would impact the future."
A simple monochrome palette fits the homeowners’ minimalist aesthetic and echoes the charred cladding of the exterior. The dramatic roof pitch makes the kitchen feel airy and light.
Photo: Marnie Hawson
Natalie and Lauren opted for high-quality finishes to ensure the kitchen would stand up to many years of use.
Photo: Marnie Hawson
See the full story on Dwell.com: They Built Their Japanese-Inspired Home So That Their Children Could Inherit It
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