I find so much inspiration in the residential design that is happening in Australia. Because of the warm climate and natural beauty that surrounds them, bringing nature and lightness into the living spaces is just second nature.

I can’t get over this house (called The Tree House) designed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects. It’s located on a steep block in an eastern suburb of Sydney, maybe that’s why they call it the Tree House? This is a beautiful example of minimal, bespoke and carefully crafted design at it’s best. It’s beautiful, elegant, contemporary and timeless. The big sliding doors open up the house to the garden that surrounds it, so every room feels immersed in nature. The materials are minimal and warm, a perfect backdrop to the green beauty outside. The house orientation, solar protection, cross ventilation and thermal mass ensure the comfort and livability of the home.

This staircase is pure poetry. I can’t imagine the amount of detail that went into it looking so smooth and elegant. And of course it’s a great idea to built a spiral staircase to take up less footprint.

You enter on the top floor and go down from there. I imagine it is located on top of a steep hill that goes down in the back, hence the name The Tree House.

So light and airy. I love the concrete material for the kitchen bar and the clerestory windows above instead of cabinets, this detail really brings the outdoors in. I imagine they have plenty of storage with lower cabinets and the two pantries on either side.

I wouldn’t mind working from home in this light and airy office. I love the detail of the clerestory window above the shelves to bring in more natural light.

I’d like to take a bubble bath in that tub. And look at that beautiful view from the bedroom, the curve of the wall at the corner with the white sheer that wraps around. Ahhhhhhh details…….

Photos: Anson Smart for Madeleine Blanchfield Architects