House Woodlands by AO Design Studio

The journey of House Woodlands began with a vision to extend the existing residence into a cohesive blend of new living spaces. The addition of a multifunctional pavilion to the north and a practical east wing, inclusive of a butler’s pantry, powder room, and office, sets the tone for a design that's both intuitive and innovative. The guiding principle was simple yet profound, harness passive design to maximise solar heat gain and utilise the concrete slab for thermal efficiency.

The ingenuity of AO Design Studio shines through in the roof's design, intelligently crafted to capture the sun’s warmth in winter and provide shade in summer. This strategic design not only bolsters energy efficiency but also creates inviting outdoor areas for entertainment and relaxation. The clever integration of operable windows and louvres throughout the new extensions ensures a breath of fresh air is never far, enhancing the home's natural ventilation.

House Woodland by AO Design Studio. he image presents a twilight view of House Woodland by AD Design Studio, with the interior lights casting a warm glow against the dusky sky. The modern house has a flat roof and large windows that showcase the interior. The outdoor area includes a patio with a dining set and a pool that reflects the evening sky. — House Woodlands by AO Design Studio. Photography by Luc Remond

House Woodland by AO Design Studio. An evening shot of House Woodland by AD Design Studio, capturing the elegant outdoor living space. The house's modern architecture, with dark siding and wooden accents, is complemented by the soft ambient lighting. The space includes a patio with an outdoor dining table and chairs, providing a serene setting for evening gatherings. — House Woodlands by AO Design Studio. Photography by Luc Remond

The transformation within House Woodlands is as striking as its exterior. A newly conceived master bedroom in the west wing, complete with an ensuite and walk-in robe, offers a private haven. The former kitchen's metamorphosis into a spacious laundry room, coupled with the old laundry's conversion into a mudroom, reflects a keen understanding of the rhythm of daily life.

House Woodlands narrative extends to its outdoor spaces, where a serene pool and spa in the north and a functional, yet aesthetically pleasing, pool pavilion in the east add layers of leisure and luxury. These elements not only enhance the property's charm but also serve practical purposes, providing spaces for relaxation and guest accommodation.

House Woodland by AO Design Studio. This is an interior view of a modern dining area in House Woodland by AD Design Studio. It features large windows offering a panoramic view of a hilly landscape. The space has minimalist furniture with a mid-century modern aesthetic, including a dark wood dining table, black chairs, and a built-in bench along the window. The room is bright, with natural light flooding in from the expansive windows. — House Woodlands by AO Design Studio. Photography by Luc Remond

House Woodland by AO Design Studio. The image shows a modern kitchen in House Woodland by AD Design Studio, characterized by its clean lines and a mix of materials. The prominent feature is a large copper hood over the island, contrasting with the white subway tile backsplash. The kitchen has dark countertops and light wooden cabinetry, creating a warm yet contemporary look. The space is well-lit with natural light from the windows. — House Woodlands by AO Design Studio. Photography by Luc Remond

In facing the climatic challenges of the Southern Highlands, AO Design Studio's approach is both thoughtful and forward-thinking. The emphasis on year-round comfort is achieved through a meticulous selection of materials and construction methods that resonate with the locale. The studio's sustainable ethos is further reflected in its efforts to minimise the project's embodied energy, prioritising material reuse and local sourcing.

Given the property's location in a bushfire-prone zone, the choice of materials was paramount. The use of fire-resistant Colorbond metal cladding and Blackbutt hardwood timber strikes a balance between safety and style. The concept of 'Age in Place' is elegantly woven into the design, ensuring the home remains accessible and comfortable, with single-level layouts and step-free transitions.

House Woodland by AO Design Studio. This is an outdoor perspective of House Woodland by AD Design Studio showcasing a sleek swimming pool. The pool area is surrounded by a wooden deck and flanked by native trees, with a modern pool house in the background featuring wood paneling and black metal accents. — House Woodlands by AO Design Studio. Photography by Luc Remond

House Woodland by AO Design Studio. An exterior view of House Woodland by AD Design Studio, highlighting the modern architectural design with a mix of materials. The facade combines wood siding with black metal panels. The house has large windows and sliding doors, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. A wooden deck extends from the house, furnished with an outdoor dining area. — House Woodlands by AO Design Studio. Photography by Luc Remond

The essence of AO Design Studio's work is its profound connection with the environment. Each design choice, from building orientation to material selection, is a tribute to this relationship. The studio's dedication to sustainable design is evident in every aspect of House Woodland, from solar access control to natural ventilation, creating spaces that not only accommodate but also enhance the lives of their inhabitants.

House Woodlands by AO Design Studio redefines the concept of a home, not merely as a structure but as a living, breathing entity that exists in symbiosis with its environment, setting a new benchmark for sustainable and thoughtful architectural design.

Project Details:

Location: Woodlands, New South Wales
Traditional land of the Gundungurra People
Architecture: AO Design Studio
Interiors: Partridge Daniels
Surveyor: Richard Cox
Structural & Hydraulic: Northrop
Landscape Design: Susie Reynolds
Landscaper: Josh Shepherd
Photography: Luc Remond

CO-ARCHITECTURE COMPANY PROFILE

To find out more about AO Design Studio you can visit the AO Design Studio Company Profile. It's a great place to discover more about their studio and gain valuable insights into their work.