The most radical elements of Two Peaks house are the pop-up roof forms; raking-triangular-jutting-out “peaks”; designed to protect from summer sun, allow winter sun, dramatically improve daylight quality and thermal efficiency thourgh ceiling fans, hydronic heating and cross-ventilation.

Two Peaks Studio is the 'granny flat' writers studio placed to face the sun at an angle in the back yard. The white modern lines of the pergola acts as sun shading for lower-tier windows, and the vertical white screen dividing the courtyard allows light but not views through.

Despite the restricted budget, a small environmental footprint was achieved, accommodating family as well as future live-in carers. We retained a lyrical connection with garden and palm trees. Other considerations were orientation, wide doorways, flush thresholds, discreet handrails in shower recesses and as shower rails, and a raised rear terrace to provide step-free accessibility. By reusing ALL old bricks for use in the reverse brick veneer studio –together with efficient landscaping strategies, the whole site was renovated within budget.

The design is remarkable for its beautiful sensitivities and rigorous detailing. The writer’s studio explores rich hues of timber-veneer referencing Australian classical modernism, and complementing textures of painted brick, concrete slab, undyed wool carpet and high level windows. In the house, the oak parquetry together with unique ensuite tiles creates a richly textured floor, offset by the kitchen of white cabinets doors, mirror black rimex end panels and mirror splashback. Three unique rounded-corner joinery pieces create modern heirlooms.