Bellbird House, Blackburn

A family home in unique suburban bushland, suffused by the native landscape After a long search, our clients Cameron and Nicole found a property in the Bellbird Area of Blackburn, a classified National Trust area that has been protected against significant development since the 1960s. The Bellbird Area is a suburban bush setting, connected to the Blackburn Bush Corridor a critical habitat for birdlife and animals. The streetscapes retain a peaceful ambience with no footpaths, dominated by native vegetation. The site featured 41 existing established native trees, all of which were preserved in the creation of this home nestled amongst, and suffused by, the natural landscape. Cameron and Nicole’s brief to us was for a single storey family home that blended warmth and comfort, which was responsive to and respectful of the natural beauty of its bush surroundings. The wonderful tree canopies, textures, smells, sounds and colours of the site became the key drivers for the design. Internal sightlines at eye level were dominated by trunks and neighbouring properties, so we gave preference to abundant north-facing highlight windows which direct views up and out to the treetops above, flooding the interiors with daylight. Internally lined with Tasmanian Oak, these highlights developed into a synthesis of the external expression of the building, as angled roofs reach up to the tree canopies above. A light, natural material palette internally starts with a central spine of Australian limestone cladding, which wraps from the external entry into the heart of the house. External materials, such as black-oiled bandsawn Accoya, were selected to provide a contrasting backdrop to the grey-green of the eucalypts while mirroring bark like vertical texture. Centred around an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space which opens up to the landscape at the rear, the house is arranged to meet Cameron and Nicole’s brief for spaces to share with their two daughters, and spaces of solitude for all their individual pursuits – music, reading, study. This project is the result of a wonderful collaborative relationship between architect, builder and client – each respectful of each other’s expertise. The building team treated each detail with craft and care, resulting in a meticulous outcome. Landscape designer Sam Cox created a whimsical and meandering garden featuring an abundance of native grasses. Cameron and Nicole have planted over 1400 indigenous plants and installed a pond to encourage wildlife back to the site. Bellbird House actively preserves this important area of natural habitat within suburbia. It is a house of activity and togetherness, a home where a family can connect with the natural environment and each other. We acknowledge the Wurrundjeri people, Traditional Custodians of the land upon which this project is sited.