Houses Australia – Issue 168 March 2026 – Houses Australia

07 A custom cabinet borrows its form from the room’s existing chimney breast. 08 A north-facing window seat in the living room looks out to the pool and garden. Architect Board Grove Architects +61 411 495 097 [email protected] boardgrovearchitects.com Project team Holly Board, Peter Grove Builder Cube Building Services Engineer MTO Engineers Landscape architect Green Bits Building surveyor Builde 5 m 2 m Section 1:200 Words by Liz Walsh Photography by Anjie Blair Set against the deep greens of north-eastern Lutruwita’s/Tasmania’s endemic eucalyptus forest, Studio Steen’s Mountain House creates a striking contrast with its surroundings.

The rigid geometry and deep red hue of the exterior cladding do not attempt to reflect the landscape. Instead, the architecture sits strong in its polarity – engaging in a dialogue, a dance of difference – whereby the presence of one amplifies the experience of the other. Strategically located adjacent to the site’s entrance, Mountain House takes advantage of the natural topography.

Hunkering down into a wide contour and allowing the landscape to fall away, its position offers equal parts prospect and refuge. This siting, as founding director of Studio Steen Clare Steen explained to me, provided dual benefit: first, it minimised earthworks required to facilitate firefighting access to within 6 metres of the structure – a necessity for all BAL-29 classified projects – and second, it made the most of the natural clearing, aggressively maintained by resident wallabies, while harnessing the solar gain yielded by northern orientation.

Designed with Passive House principles, Mountain House’s seemingly simple facade is in fact three separate layers that work together – much like human skin – to create a stable, airtight and energy- efficient home. Studio Steen has seized the opportunity for expression and delight held within each layer.

With COLORBOND® steel featuring Thermatech® technology, it helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. SUSTAINABLE. 100% recyclable, made with recycled content – long life, low impact. DESIGN VERSATILE. A range of colours, finishes, and profiles to suit any style. COLORBOND®, LYSAGHT® and ® product names are registered trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited and ™ product names are trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited.

© 2025 BlueScope Steel Limited. ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved. LYH2720 – 11/25 Scan the QR code for more information on Lysaght’s walling product range and services at lysaght.com INSPIRATION TO BUILD BETTER Elevate The Everyday Touch Quiet sophistication for homes defined by detail LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIA In thoughtfully designed homes, true luxury is subtle. ARIA outlets and switches embrace this philosophy with a slim, sculpted profile and a softly textured matte finish that blends effortlessly into premium interiors. Designed to complement stone, timber and architectural lighting, ARIA brings a quiet sophistication that enhances the materials around it, completing the space with balance and intention.

ARIA pairs refined aesthetics with thoughtful performance. Its market-leading 65W USB-C outlet, Australia’s first capable of charging laptops directly, delivers seamless functionality without visual compromise. Engineered with precision, the push-button dimmers offer smooth, intuitive control that enhances ambience with understated finesse. Finally, ARIA ensures every detail remains as intentional and enduring as the architecture itself, backed by a 25- year warranty and manufacturer direct support.

Scan the QR code to view the project. Drama in the vineyards For Five Vineyard, a boutique winery on the outskirts of Melbourne, F2 Architecture played with the nostalgic shape of the iconic Australian farm shed to craft a modern iteration of the form. Made from COLORBOND® steel, the moody, near-black hue of the Monument® Matt provides a stunning contrast to the green of the surrounding vineyards and provides an elevated sense of drama.

Be inspired by this, and other award-winning steel projects, at steelprofile.steelselect.com.au. COLORBOND®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2025 BlueScope Steel Limited. ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved. 09 HOUSES 168 AT A GLANCE At a Glance 105 John Ellway In Profile This Brisbane-based architect’s houses shun spectacle in favour of calm settings that enrich daily life. From the Editor 12 Musings Contributors 14 Poised and practical 48 Kitchen and bathroom products Elegantly designed pieces that elevate everyday moments.

Green scene 79 Sustainable products Environmentally friendly finishes for a lighter-footprint home. Beyond Suburbia 122 Postscript Warren Kirk captures the familiar and fading markers of life in regional towns. 114 Rosewood House by Richard Leplastrier Revisited Completed in 1991, this beautifully crafted pavilion house works in concert with place and climate. 74 Darlinghurst Apartment by Brad Swartz Architects First House This inventive apartment inspired an abiding practice philosophy for living well in small spaces.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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