Places and Spaces: This Minimalist, Carbon Neutral Home Is Inspired by the Seaside
When we first came Victorian-based design and build company The Sociable Weaver was doing, we fell in love with not only their beautiful homes, but also their community-minded ethos and firm commitment to sustainability. It's a tough task to choose a favourite from their catalogue of architecturally-designed residences, but the moment we saw Bungalow we knew that we'd found our dream home. Eye-catching, compact and brimming with natural elements, it's a seaside-minimalist hybrid with a decidedly Australian edge.
Bungalow fits a lot into its modest 120m² footprint, offering up three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a handy mezzanine that offers a spot to work, study, or read a book while gazing through the huge windows that come to a point to meet the double-height raked ceiling.
Open-plan yet overflowing with soul, The Sociable Weaver team has excelled at truly capturing the way we live, and the finer details that help to create a sense of home. Tactile concrete floors provide a cool respite for hot summer days, while timber elements scattered throughout inject necessary warmth and a sense of familiarity.
Open shelving in the kitchen lets you show off any beloved ceramics or favourite cookbooks, and the addition of modern brass taps and handles elevate this interior to a level that's aspirational, all while remaining economical and practical for those who choose this design as their forever home. Bungalow is furnished with simple and effective furniture that further accentuates a sense of relaxation and comfort, and we're thrilled to see our 100% French flax bed linen included in the scheme. A recurring theme of native wildflowers is a soothing reminder of home and a gentle expression of the precious native ecosystem we live amongst.
From viewing only its facade, you could place Bungalow anywhere in the world, from the Californian desert to the Scandinavian Alps. Almost monolithic in stature, its minimalist form and contemporary cladding give it a world-class aesthetic that's both stunning and impressive.
After looking a little deeper, though, the inspiration behind the design is evident—a seaside escape. Timber panelling is used as a natural nod to the coast, while its bold black trims help to keep things low-key, leaving a single window to reflect the view and act as a wild art piece. Over time, and with the wind, Bungalow's outsides will transform to blend in to its surrounding landscape, with plants strategically placed to allow them to grow towards its sharp apex.
It's clear that the motivation behind the work of the architects and builders involved in the conception of this modern haven is altruistic—with community building and fostering happy and healthy living high on the list of priorities. Going even further, The Sociable Weavers projects are all carbon neutral or carbon positive which is incredibly encouraging as we look to more sustainable options for every aspect of our lives.
If you're thinking of building a new home or simply enjoy great Australian design, The Sociable Weaver is your new go-to for all things architecture, interiors and sustainable living.
Images Courtesy of The Sociable Weaver. Photography by Marnie Hawson.
Another seaside interior you need to see is this yoga studio that is basically our dream home.
