With picturesque views that stretch from Black Mountain to Queanbeyan, this striking dwelling is a symphony of charisma, colour and light.
The home is a collaborative effort between Preferred Builders, DNA Architects and the homeowners. Aj Bala from DNA Architects says the project is a lifestyle haven, designed for the homeowners who are semi-retired. “It’s perched within the canopies at the top of Ngunnawal Land and is a beautiful interpretation of how the home, hobbies and friends can be intrinsically interwoven,” he enthuses.
Before The Nest was constructed, the existing on-site dwelling, a family home, was bereft of open light-filled spaces. So the team from DNA Architects rolled up their sleeves and went to work, designing a captivating spacious dwelling that is a showstopper. Aj says this design was also about maximising the remarkable views. “As fate would have it, the perfect level for the new house was eerily similar to that of the home which once stood upon the land,” he notes.
It was a complex project, one that required extensive commercial construction organisation as well as diligent planning. The dwelling is now a series of beautiful spaces, filled with opportunities to create moments that will become lasting memories, shared with family and friends. DNA Architects already had an established working relationship with the clients — this gave them invaluable insight into the way they shared their spaces with each other and with family and friends.
The beating heart of the home is undoubtedly the soaring 5.5m-high dining space. “It opens out to both the central atrium and the Canberra skyline to the north,” explains Aj. The artfully restrained interior colour palette is soothing and refined, with warm and textured detailing. It’s fresh, innovative, and takes a restrained walk on the wild side with stunning results.
The building material palette includes a VM Zinc front door, a 4.5m-high monolithic feature clad in zinc shingle. Aj says it pays homage to its location. “The lichen-coloured door is an ode to the adjoining bushland of Red Hill reserve,” he comments.
From floor to ceiling, eye-catching materials captivate and invite you to linger for longer. A burnished concrete floor, equitone cladding, and black Japanese ply ceiling all feature. Aj says the concrete floor is one of the heroes of the dwelling. “It has been executed to perfection in both colour and finish and partners the timber and equitone around the rest of the home,” he shares.
The sense of connectedness to the vast landscape beyond is made possible through the glazing. It’s an engineering and architectural feat of mammoth proportions. Aj says the frame system, tracks and rollers were all engineered specifically for the project. “The 5.5m-high glazing within the heart of this home was a pipe dream we never imagined could be executed to this level,” he enthuses.
There are features galore within this home, each one trumping the last. A swim spa that feels as though you are floating on top of the world is cantilevered above the entry to the basement garage.
There are many warm tactile spaces that effortlessly harmonise with each other. There are ample spots for family and friends to comfortably visit, and a dedicated basement space to accommodate their car collection.
The central atrium is light-filled, connecting to the dining area. The openness of this space almost feels as if you are dining alfresco style. In fact, when the atrium and terrace doors are open, you feel a calm connectedness to the outdoors, well beyond the walls of the home. For Aj, this is another standout feature. “The play of light and textures within this space evolve each day and hour,” he adds.
The floating central roof was another design success. As with any project of this scale, aesthetics need to be balanced with form and function. Aj says their engineer was up to the challenge. “Our structural engineer came to the party … not only was he able to make this element sing, he made it float,” he notes.
The glass elevator is a superb addition, allowing access to the roof terrace to drink in the majestic views.
The homeowners enjoy the concept of concealed or secret doors — it adds an element of mystery and playfulness to the project and it also helps to streamline spaces. Aj says they achieved this in a range of ways — “from the material that was chosen right through to the style of door and closer which was selected”, he notes.
The homeowners are justifiably enchanted with the project. “We are absolutely thrilled,” they enthuse.
