Komorebi House

“Right from the outset we knew that Kristen had a high attention to detail… The ultimate design was quite innovative in how it delivered on our brief whilst managing the restrictions. The KJA team's interaction with the council along the way also very encouraging and whatever the council required was provided in a timely manner and with the outcome we were after…" — Tomomi, Client ‘Sunlight filtering through trees’ A majestic lemon scented gum tree located to the rear of this site becomes the focus of this new home in Mont Albert North. Drawing inspiration from the spectacular tree and the Client’s Japanese heritage, Komorebi House is formed physically and conceptually through folding and flat surfaces, thoughtfully detailed screens and glazed openings to frame light and shade, and tactile, natural material selections to create dynamic spatial experiences throughout this home. A genkan at the entry (an internal threshold for the exchange of shoes and slippers) leads to a double height passage framed by tactile rammed earth walls with narrow slot window that throw rhythmic streams of sunlight along the walkway. Warm timbers line the central courtyard in the form of a traditional engawa, a short perimeter extension of the internal floor to a deck – a traditional Japanese architectural device to provide physical connection with the surrounding landscape. The epitome of Komorebi House is demonstrated in the upstairs Master Bedroom overlooking the wide crown and open habit of the 16m tall gum tree in the rear yard. The location of this superb tree creates dappled leaf shadows year round into this restful space and has been the focus of our design from the very beginning. This close relationship with the landscape (designed by Phillip Johnson Landscapes) invites powerful emotive connections with the daily rhythms of nature; finding quiet beauty and engagement with this exceptional site.