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Houzz Tour: An Aussie Home Mingles With Nature
This eco-friendly bushland retreat coexists beautifully with the surrounding environment, right down to its rammed-earth construction
Melinda Woodyard and John Punch chose to build their home away from the hustle and bustle of city living. The eco-friendly home is nestled in the Australian bushland but still close to the Indian Ocean. The rammed-earth construction has rigid geometry and is built to take full advantage of the sun as a source of heat and light. The home stays cool in the hot summer months and warm in winter. "We love the natural look and feel of our rammed-earth home. We felt this best suited the environment and lifestyle we wanted to achieve," Woodyard says.
The home's thick walls provide excellent insulation and acoustic ambiance. The ceiling fans are enough to keep the home cool in summer, eliminating the need for air-conditioning units. A rainwater tank collects rain in winter for use year-round, and solar panels heat the water. The bamboo flooring is a renewable resource and was chosen over timber for its eco-friendliness.
This home shares a dialogue with nature and is fulfilling its owners dream of co-existing with the surrounding environment.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Melinda Woodyard and John Punch
Size: 350m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Northern outskirts of Perth, Western Australia near Guilderton
The home's thick walls provide excellent insulation and acoustic ambiance. The ceiling fans are enough to keep the home cool in summer, eliminating the need for air-conditioning units. A rainwater tank collects rain in winter for use year-round, and solar panels heat the water. The bamboo flooring is a renewable resource and was chosen over timber for its eco-friendliness.
This home shares a dialogue with nature and is fulfilling its owners dream of co-existing with the surrounding environment.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Melinda Woodyard and John Punch
Size: 350m², 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Northern outskirts of Perth, Western Australia near Guilderton
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| Two separate wings of the home provide a balance that comes together in the central living area. More: Rammed Earth: Old Meets New in Hybrid Material |
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| Woodyard and Punch chose a color palette that blends with the natural environment. “The colors were inspired by the surrounding stone, timber, earth and dark clouds on a stormy day,” Woodyard says. |
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| Woodyard chose this canvas from a local art shop. She says she loves the rustic charm of it and its weathered industrial look. |
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| The central living area is a relaxing space to sit back and read a book or enjoy the natural light that oozes through the windows. |
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| This tic-tac-toe game was purchased on a recent trip to Melbourne. The earthy stones add to the natural, homey aesthetic. |
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| The living room features a chalkboard painted wall where their visiting niece and nephew can share artwork with pride. |
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| The master bathroom's bathtub was placed under a picture window to take advantage of the views across the natural landscape. |
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| This cozy corner in the guest bedroom makes for a relaxing spot to flip through a magazine while sipping tea. The chair is an heirloom and has been in the family for several decades, often getting a new cover to suit its surroundings. |
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| Inspiration for their home came from “the stories that are attached to certain pieces, either the history behind a handcrafted piece or pieces given or bought on travels over the years," Woodyard says. Magazines and photographs of other homes also inspire creativity and looks. |
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Twisted beach wood makes an interesting display piece.
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| A photo of the treasured family pets is the centerpiece among a collection of poetic finds from long walks on the beach. Woodyard and Punch love how their home co-exists with the environment. “The peace, animals, birds and native landscape surround us and we are only five minutes from the river mouth and Indian Ocean,” Woodyard says. “I never want to leave.” They say they look forward to focusing more on the exterior and creating an outdoor living space with paths connecting their vegetable and cacti gardens in the near future. More Houzz tours: An Eclectic and Open Home in Sydney An Australian Cottage with a Vintage Twist Designs for Every Space from Atypical Type A |
Ideabook published on Nov. 18, 2011.
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What material for the wall was used in the main room? is it limestone or hand made stucco made so artisticly and rustic?
I love the canvas and chalk wall also.
wish we would have more designs like that in the US
http://www.freedom.com.au/homewares/decorator-accents/wall-art/
http://www.athomefurniture.com.au/index.html
I appreciate the bold geometric statement.... but...??? If the primary entrance is behind the wall then, I get it. Although I would have put an opening or window or some type to let some light in. Why block the light and view? Beautiful house however.