While we spend increasingly more time at home, we are redefining what is essential. Now more than ever, good design is paramount in our homes. It's the difference between a good house and a great house and can influence the quality of our daily lives.

The banambila.house was designed by local architect, Rob Henry. Completed in 2018, the house was designed around solar passive principles, it has a fresh, uncomplicated aesthetic and a functional, efficient footprint.

We asked both the owner and the architect some questions about the home.

Owner
- why did you choose to work with Rob Henry to design your home?
We were attracted to Rob for a number of reasons; we liked his choice of materials such as weatherboard cladding and plywood ceiling, it brings lots of warmth to the design. Energy efficiency is important to us, Rob was able to make the house very energy efficient and maximise the sunlight. His plan and approach to the design process through to the eventual build was very thorough.

- describe the style/aesthetic of the home
The style is contemporary, centred around natural materials. We also wanted the home to be a balance of modern with cozy touches to make it more inviting.

- key design features for Banambila
The brief was to build two properties on the same block with a unique design to both homes with high energy efficiency. We love that it feels like the house is freestanding even though it is semi-attached. The high raked plywood ceiling maximises the sunlight. One of our favourite elements is the nice flow from inside to outside with private deck/terrace outside the main bedroom and large deck outside the lounge area.

- about living in Aranda
Aranda is a welcoming, safe community with amazing connection to the bush with the reserve land and plenty of walking trails. The house is tucked away on a quiet street but the location is convenient and easy walking distance to 2 before 10 cafe and the community centre.

Architect
- what are the benefits of working with an architect to design your home?
Architects can tailor a design to suit individual needs; the two units on this block present as one uniform street elevation, but have completely different floor plans which respond to each owners needs. They also have been shaped to maximise the sun penetration into each unit. The interiors were also designed in collaboration with the owners so that the finishes are cohesive and create warm and inviting spaces. We utilised standard materials in creative ways to achieve a higher quality aesthetic.

- describe your signature style/aesthetic..
To be honest, we don't have a particular style. We like working with clients to realise their aesthetic. I guess if we were pushed to answer, I think people would see our projects as very warm, fresh, and homely. We use a lot of timber to make spaces feel warm and homely. We try to shy away from 'trends' and look to design for endurance.

- key design feature/s for this project
This unit was designed to maximise sun ingress on a challenging block. Carving out a courtyard space between the two units and raking the living room ceiling allowed for lots of sunlight to stream into the unit in winter. Also, we deliberately included a bedroom/bathroom on the ground floor to allow the unit to be more accessible. Whilst the site is narrow, we've managed to achieve spaces that are generous, thanks to suitably proportioned windows.

Rob Henry Architects is focused on creating architecture with an understanding of human scale, which is both socially and environmentally sustainable. Embedded in each design process is a commitment to creating spatially rich environments that are evocative and playful yet practical and liveable. By developing a relationship with clients, every project can be delivered with a unique response, tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

features
. striking contemporary duplex home - architecturally designed by Rob Henry
. solar passive design features in the living room area
. feature raked plywood ceiling in living and dining area
. three spacious bedrooms with built in robes
. master bedroom with private deck and ensuite
. upstairs study/ nursery
. beautiful hardwood timber floors throughout
. double glazed windows throughout
. ceiling fans in the living room and all bedrooms
. air conditioning unit in living area
. 1KW Nobo wall heaters in all bedrooms
. stylish kitchen with Bosch appliances: dishwasher, oven and induction cooktop
. stone bench tops throughout
. custom joinery throughout
. two x 2000L under deck water tanks
. attractive alfresco/entertainment deck outside lounge room with lighting
. fully landscaped gardens front and rear
. single garage with internal access and off street parking
. NBN ready (FTTN)
. house runs from electricity, no gas appliances

Living space: 149m2
EER: 6