Waller’s Glasshouse, and self-described ‘dream home’, is a refreshing reassessment of family living. Set on acreage at Doonan, out the back of Noosa, the project marries mid-century modernism with subtropical design sensibilities.
Originally from the UK, Sarah and her family have embraced the best of the local Noosa lifestyle, climate and aesthetic to create a place that feels more like a tropical holiday destination than a family home. Eschewing cold climate design principles, Sarah has flung open the windows to embrace the subtropics, its prevailing breezes and ample sunlight.
The family’s own brief was to create a space that feels like they are on holiday every day. Laid out on one and a half acres, borrowing an extensive green view from a neighbouring golf course, Sarah was able to position the home to take advantage of the breezes and a sunny northern aspect.
The cantilevered, near flat roofline, simple lines and pool cabana lend a healthy dose of mid-century modernism to the design. Borrowed specifically from the villa designs of the desert modernist architecture of Palm Springs, the poolside design sets the scene for a 21st Century take on a Slim Aarons photograph.
Indeed the house was designed around three strong primary elements common to that era: the concrete slab, generously finished in white Italian terrazzo tiles; floor to ceiling glazing, creating complete transparency through sections of the house, along with ample opportunity for passive cooling and light; and the near-flat roof.
The interior stays true to the holiday feeling with simple, uncluttered spaces, further calmed by a strictly monochromatic palette.
A deep outdoor bath, next to the outdoor shower, is tucked in amongst tropical landscaping, providing another luxurious spot for a relaxing soak. The kitchen also impressed judges, winning Kitchen of the Year and best Kitchen over $50,001 for the HIA Sunshine Coast Housing Awards.
While Glasshouse is the Waller family home, it is also a showcase for Sarah’s architecture and building businesses. The entire home comes for hire and could be yours for a week if you so desired. The family has moved out to make way for stylish products launches, or to allow holidaymakers to relax in their slice of paradise.
There is little wonder that such a simple, elegant design can cause sucha fuss. Sarah’s elegant design is a showcase for reinventing the modern subtropical family home.
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