new home | mawson

Inspired by the clients’ travels to Japan and their connection to Zen architecture, this renovation transforms a modest existing home into a serene, contemporary retreat. The design responds to a brief that sought to create a peaceful and meditative atmosphere for daily living, while also providing the flexibility for family life and entertaining to flourish over time.

The home has been reimagined as a modern Australian residence, grounded in simplicity and balance. While elements of the original structure were retained to minimise waste, the final outcome reads as a completely new home — refined, considered, and deeply connected to its outdoor spaces.

A generous extension to the north introduces sunlit living areas that open directly onto the garden, lawn, and sheltered entertaining spaces. The interior unfolds around a dramatic double-height entry void with floating stair treads, setting the tone for a home of lightness and clarity. This vertical space creates a visual link between the two levels, with children’s bedrooms and the main suite privately arranged around the upper floor.

At the heart of the design is a tranquil Koi pond, visible from three sides through floor-level glazing. Acting as both a visual and spatial anchor, the pond reinforces the home’s meditative character while drawing natural light deep into the interior.

The living area is defined by raked ceilings and high-level glazing, while the adjacent kitchen and dining spaces are brought to life through a warm, tactile palette — including hardwood-clad feature ceilings and darker tones that create intimacy and richness.

Externally, the house presents a clean and refined streetscape. A monochrome palette of fibre cement panels and Colorbond Longline cladding gives the upper volumes a crisp, lightweight expression, while cleverly disguising the triple garage. The most distinctive feature of the façade is a series of one-metre-long handmade concrete blocks, crafted on-site by the builder. These sculptural vertical elements lend the home a striking texture and a uniquely crafted identity.

Zen House is a considered and elegant response to the brief — a tranquil refuge that embraces its context, honours its inspiration, and provides a timeless setting for family life.