Mount Waverley Shingle redefines suburban sustainability, seamlessly merging eco-conscious living with a bold architectural vision. Crafted by R Architecture co-founders and owners Vish and Gaurav Rajadhyax, the home is a showcase of sustainable design and functional beauty. Named for the magnificent mahogany tree anchoring its central courtyard, this home balances shared spaces with private retreats,
designed to nurture family connections across generations.
Mount Waverley Shingle is more than a beautiful family home — it’s also an exemplar of sustainable design. Built with Passivhaus principles, the home incorporates Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for airtight, energy-efficient construction. The layout is meticulously oriented to capture natural light, with window shrouds that provide seasonal shade and maximise winter warmth. Right-sizing the house was essential to avoid unnecessary waste, offering enough space for a multigenerational family without excess. Every aspect, from the floor plan to the materials, is designed to minimise the home’s environmental footprint.
Inside, the interiors embrace a biophilic approach, echoing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Earthy tones and organic textures create a calming aesthetic that complements the home’s sustainable ethos. Locally sourced terracotta shingles by CSR Monier clad the exterior, while black Colorbond metal cladding provides contrast, giving Mount Waverley Shingle a modern yet grounded look. In the living areas, Venetian plaster walls in a soft grey tone and terrazzo tiles containing recycled plastic add depth and environmental responsibility. “We wanted every material to age gracefully,” says Vish, “creating a space that feels rooted in its environment.”
Mount Waverley Shingle’s interiors embody a harmonious blend of elegance and purpose. Birch ply cabinetry in Bracken Green, artisanal artefacts by Claymen, and playful patterned splashbacks in the kitchen are balanced by a restrained use of colour. This thoughtful palette extends to the children’s bedrooms, where hues such as Lavender Rose and Happy by Dulux add personality without overpowering. The home’s joinery was custom-designed to integrate functionality with form, including plenty of storage space that maintains the minimalist aesthetic while catering to family life.
Advanced energy solutions bring Mount Waverley Shingle’s eco-conscious values into everyday life. A 10kW solar PV system, VRF air-conditioning, and Livella underfloor heating ensure comfort across seasons, while double- and triple-glazed windows from Yokor Windows keep the home insulated. In the kitchen, Bosch appliances deliver efficient performance, and PITT Cooking burners bring a sleek, functional aesthetic. Outdoors, the Revival Pools swimming pool takes centre stage in the courtyard, complemented by hardy merbau decking that supports both family gatherings and private relaxation.
The surrounding landscape integrates effortlessly with Mount Waverley Shingle, designed to support both beauty and sustainability. A grasscrete driveway and recycled aggregate pavers offer a low-impact alternative to traditional surfaces, while lush plantings and the mahogany tree itself create a natural, tranquil buffer between the home and its suburban setting. From inside to out, the home’s considered materials and sustainable systems showcase R Architecture’s commitment to environmental responsibility while fostering a warm, inviting space for family.
