Perched on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, the Mooney Mooney House seamlessly blends bold architectural form with a commitment to sustainability. This thoughtfully designed upper-level addition transforms a modest two-bedroom home into a spacious, light-filled sanctuary for a growing young family.
The new level introduces a private master suite, complete with an ensuite, walk-in robe, and a secluded balcony, alongside an additional bedroom to accommodate the family's evolving needs. To ensure privacy from neighboring properties, elongated facades extend beyond the building line, their Monument-colored Enseam steel cladding providing a striking contrast to the original mottled brickwork below and the light Barestone cladding above.
A sculptural folded roof appears to float above the structure, lifted by high-level windows that invite soft, natural light while minimizing the building’s visual mass. Expansive glazing on the east and west facades captures the breathtaking river views and frames the property's cherished Cheese Tree, reinforcing the home's deep connection to its environment.
Sustainability and craftsmanship take center stage in the material palette. Large, recycled hardwood king post trusses define the interior, supporting raked ceilings that amplify the sense of space. Externally, exposed rafter tails and trims crafted from recycled timber lend a tactile warmth to the design. Inside, the master ensuite is a celebration of personality, featuring a vibrant client-selected wallpaper at one end and a serene bath with uninterrupted water views at the other.
The Mooney Mooney House is a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate both function and form—enhancing family life while honoring the beauty of its natural surroundings.
Integrated Biotecture Design was founded with a desire to create healthy, sustainable buildings that connect with the environment, allowing both the occupants and the environment to flourish. Having had the pleasure to work hands-on with natural materials, practice permaculture and a strong interest in building science, we firmly believe wholistic design is the ultimate path to sustainability. With this we aim to create enduring sustainable architecture through biophilic design, the use of natural, healthy materials and those that have a low carbon footprint.