Located on a busy corner in riverside Putney, this suburban site presented both challenges and opportunities.

The neighbouring property is large and imposing, so the new home was carefully oriented toward a private garden. A mature Lillipilli tree became the heart of the design, anchoring the house and landscape with its generous canopy and providing a strong connection to nature.

Given the site’s exposure, the design needed to create its own microclimate and sense of enclosure. A courtyard-style plan was developed, framing the tree and gardens while establishing a clear transition from public to private spaces.

Landscaped areas wrap around the house, complemented by a rooftop garden and plunge pool that support cooling and biodiversity. Internal spaces follow a central spine: a children’s wing, communal areas, and an upper level with a parent’s suite, study, and music studio overlooking the roof garden. Sliding doors and level changes enhance spatial flexibility and privacy.

Replacing an asbestos-clad house, the project is now a certified passive house, designed for longevity and climate resilience. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) was selected for its thermal performance, low toxicity, and minimal environmental impact. Its warm, tactile finish is contrasted with colourful tiles and painted joinery that bring a playfulness to the interior.

The house balances openness to the street with privacy, using a shaded western deck with operable panels.

A ventilated façade mitigates solar exposure and overheating. An entry sequence through a screened courtyard and pond establishes a calming arrival and a considered transition into the private home.

The resulting design is a modestly scaled, low-energy home that performs under extreme conditions while offering flexibility, comfort, and connection to nature. It provides a quiet refuge and a vibrant family home that responds holistically to place, climate, and community.

Photography by Brett Boardman