Given the brief to integrate a new home with its native surrounds, it is not surprising that this home designed by CAPA came to be known as Red Zephyr Blue House, in honour of the brightly coloured dragonflies that visited during design and construction.
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
Created for a retired couple close to Lake Jualbup in Shenton Park, the sustainable home makes good use of natural materials and is carefully designed to create a synergy with the outdoors.
The owners did not want the home to use air-conditioning so a clever system using vents in the roof and big water troughs was designed to keep the property cool.
The architects relied on materials such as stone, exposed brick and solid timber to create an earthy vibe. Bucking trends for open-plan living, each room inside the house is distinct, separate and built for a specific purpose.
Materials were chosen to suit the purpose of each room, with solid timber features used in all spaces to tie the finished home together.
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
A music room, library and artist’s studio are all inclusions created to make the home a haven where everyday living inspires creativity and harmony.
The bathrooms are moody and intended to help create a feeling of serenity and connection with nature.
An internal courtyard not only lets in lots of daylight but also provides the owners with opportunity to indulge in their passions of gardening and observing local wildlife. It features a pond to encourage frogs to take up residence.
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
Picture: Douglas Mark Black
The robust materials used for the build will allow the owners to focus their time on their passions and hobbies, rather than maintenance.
From just about every vantage point, the beautiful design of the home yields something new and interesting to look at. It’s filled with angles and curves and the juxtaposition of materials adds visual appeal.
Concrete planter pots on the top of the home will eventually be draped with hanging foliage and the decorative trellis on the front of the facade will likely also be covered by climbing plants.
There’s undeniable beauty in the exposed brickwork which is interesting because many older homes in this area have been renovated to cover exposed salmon brick.
From the street, the house exudes a thoughtful charm, it is unique and modern but respectful of the many older homes that surround it.
Inside, there are many nods to bygone eras, particularly the mid-century modern movement.
