It’s well documented and intuitively felt, that the human-nature connection improves our wellbeing. Even on a modest inner-suburban-site, the connection to the natural world can be cultivated and, perhaps, becomes even more important.

We strongly believe when you combine Biophilic Design with Building-Science, a more nature-aligned regenerative Architecture emerges. When this is combined with a deep care and connection to the heritage and history of a site, you get something truly unique. This holistic approach is fundamental to buildings that maintain their true spirit of place, and are healthier for people and planet – and is the philosophy of our Greenhouse Grove renovation.

This project exemplifies the wonder of biophilic design, an approach that creates built spaces that connect humans to the natural world through all of our senses. Carefully placed glazing connects the house to its extensive gardens and allows for cross-ventilation in warmer months. The garden room literally brings the garden inside. It’s an appealing space in which to work or relax in any season and belies its inner-urban surroundings.

This heritage home has a lovely character, but needed some light-touch interventions to improve modern life in terms of functionality, but also to ensure it could be healthier and more comfortable all year round (despite the extremes in weather). Rather than overwhelming the original structure, the design respects its character while introducing beautiful new elements that feel both intentional and inviting.

Greenhouse Grove balances cool and warm natural materials, creating an atmosphere that shifts seamlessly between indoors and outdoors. Throughout, the merging of old and new creates moments that invite pause, reflection, and a deeper enjoyment of the everyday. It is a heartfelt exploration of what “better not bigger” can mean for home and legacy—a quiet, generous contribution to the practice of bringing biophilia into domestic life.

Photography by Marnie Hawson