This sophisticated Hebe family house, designed by architect David Hansford, meets the demands of modern family living. When David received draftsman’s plans that didn’t fully address the owner’s needs, he eagerly accepted the challenge. His goal was to create a home that would grow with the family while embracing the leafy outlook.
David’s design philosophy focuses on creating homes that respond to the site and reflect the unique character of the inhabitants. “The clients for this project had confident, bold personalities, yet a warmth that is reflected in the form and materiality of the design,” he explains.
Bold Materials, Calming Interiors
The Hebe family house features sturdy materials like concrete, brick, and black weatherboard, yet offers softer, calmer spaces inside. “Smaller, intimate areas cater to a growing family’s need for variety,” says David.
Spanning three levels, the home includes five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and plenty of cozy, light-filled living spaces. This three-storey residence is ideal for a family of four — mum, dad, two soon-to-be teenage daughters, and two Golden Retrievers.
This bespoke project shows how a challenge can be transformed into something exceptional. The unique house block layout was the primary hurdle. David describes it as “a sector of a circle sloping heavily to the rear,” which resulted in a 34m north-facing street frontage. Additionally, drawing north-easterly breezes and natural light into a south-facing block without sacrificing privacy posed another challenge.
To address this, the design emphasized greenery and light-filled spaces. Generous floor-to-ceiling glazing and roof skylights helped achieve this. As a result, the Hebe house offers numerous bright, inviting spaces. These areas are perfect for retreating with a book, enjoying quiet conversation, playing family board games, or sharing moments with loved ones.
Eco-Friendly Features and Thoughtful Design
Inside, Hebe house ‘s design embraces clean, modern lines while prioritizing family living. The generously appointed kitchen includes a butler’s pantry tucked behind for added convenience. A cold room and bar cater to both cooking and entertaining needs. Warm timbers and stone add an organic touch, while the neutral colour palette features blue accents. Large abstract artworks and stylish occasional pieces introduce further colour, complemented by custom furniture that reflects the home’s architectural style.
The spacious master suite offers ultimate comfort, with dual pendants adding a contemporary edge. A cosy sofa provides the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day.
Sheer curtains provide privacy while allowing natural light to flood in when opened. Skylights above the shower spaces create a seamless connection with the outdoors — at night, it feels like showering under a star-filled sky.
This family home exudes subtle sophistication, with organic and beautiful materials throughout. David points out some impressive features, such as the 3.7m-tall sliding timber stacker doors. Another striking element is the two-storey-high brick fireplace outdoors, which houses the homeowners’ Brazilian barbecue.
Private Retreats and Outdoor Bliss
A swimming pool provides relief from Queensland’s hot summers, while nearby cozy seating offers the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday with friends. Additionally, for the pre-teens, the girls’ games room and rumpus create their own personal space to entertain and relax.
The home also incorporates eco-friendly features like PVC solar cells and rainwater harvesting. By re-orienting the living spaces from the original plans, David maximized cross ventilation, which in turn reduced the need for machine-driven cooling.
One of David’s favorite spaces is the sunken courtyard, located just off the girls’ rumpus room. “It has a peaceful feel and helps mask some levels, grounding the house in elevation,” he says. This space not only offers room for the dogs to play but also connects visually to the leafy backdrop and streetscape.
Collaborative Design and Execution
This project came to life through the collaborative efforts of the building and design teams, including Claire Stevens Interior Design and the builder. In particular, “Tim Black (Black Developments) did an excellent job on this challenging site with tough access and tight timeframes,” says David.
David enjoyed every aspect of planning, designing, and delivering the project to the delighted homeowners, with a few unexpected perks along the way. For instance, one of these, David recalls, was “the obvious perk of client meetings at a chef’s house with a sleeping Goldie on your foot.”
