2018 National Architecture Awards: National Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Jury citation

Like a test of gravity, Cabbage Tree House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture anchors itself into a north-facing escarpment. This home encourages its occupants to poetically engage with its undeniably spectacular bushland setting via a series of indoor and outdoor terraces, where the sound of the birds, the smell of the creek and the glistening of the sun’s rays are ever-present. It is a comfortable space for all seasons, splaying north toward the winter sun and capturing cooling breezes from the east in summer.

The mass of the building is skilfully broken down into smaller spaces of seclusion to allow various modes of occupation. This is a home that invites slowing down the pace of life and the raw material palette of recycled brick, concrete, steel and timber is in line with the desire for restraint and simplicity. Layers of inhabitation are drawn into the spaces, creating a warm and homelike atmosphere.

This beautiful house demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature and gives the impression that the architecture is intended to become part of the landscape over time.