Situated on a serene 1.9-acre plot in Doonan, Sunshine Coast, this contemporary gem by Sarah Waller Architecture was designed as Sarah Waller’s family home—a luxurious retreat reflecting innovative and bespoke home design.
The property transcends being merely a house, emerging as a sanctuary where meticulous attention to detail ensures an unrivalled living experience. Sarah envisioned Blackwood as a resort-like haven intertwined with its natural surroundings to foster tranquillity and relaxation. The design philosophy aims to create a luxurious and inviting space with elegantly blurred boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The bold design features a striking mix of materials, contrasting solid off-form concrete walls with warm black timber cladding. This dynamic interplay of textures is enhanced by lush plantings and thoughtfully crafted landscaping, achieving a seamless integration of nature and modern architecture.
The home adopts a unique pavilion-style layout with distinct structures for living, sleeping, and office spaces, unified by a prominent off-form concrete “blade feature wall.” Expansive glass windows flood the interiors with natural light, fostering a strong connection with the outdoors. This layout ensures that each space within the home has its own character while maintaining a cohesive overall design.
At the heart of Blackwood is its magnificent 21-metre pool, centrally located and visible from all living spaces. Moving away from traditional rectangular pools, Sarah chose a sculptural shape that mirrors the sharp lines of the home’s architecture, creating a striking focal point.
The interior design of Blackwood features a refined monochromatic palette, combining stark white with matte black accents (a Sarah Waller signature). This minimalist approach is enriched with natural timber elements and carefully selected lighting fixtures, adding warmth and depth. Each design choice, from concrete walls to black timber cladding, contributes to a visually striking environment exuding sophistication.
Blackwood includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a powder room, and a five-car garage, all designed with sustainability in mind. The careful selection of materials, integration of renewable energy sources, and water-conscious strategies all highlight Sarah Waller Architecture’s commitment to environmentally conscious design. For example, features like off-form concrete for thermal mass enhance energy efficiency, helping to keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter, while the purposefully designed large roof overhang minimises the sun’s impact in tropical climates.
Blackwood exemplifies the pinnacle of modern architecture while honouring the natural beauty of its surroundings, inviting those who dwell here to not just live but to thrive.
Design: Sarah Waller Architecture | Photography: Alyne Media
