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Three Peaks House by Ha Architecture
Ha Architecture thoughtfully enhances a heritage home, merging its classic charm with modern elements to create a space that evolves with a family’s needs.
Capitalising on a beautiful north-facing backyard, Three Peaks House emphasises connection, functionality and sustainability. Ha Architecture’s thoughtful approach preserves the home’s historic character while seamlessly introducing contemporary features, ensuring it honours its past while embracing aspects of modern living.
The brief focused on enhancing the home’s layout to better engage with the backyard, improve the living areas and adapt to the needs of a growing family. Nick Harding, architect and principal at Ha Architecture, says, “the established north-facing backyard was beautiful. However, the existing house didn’t make good use of it, so that was a strong focus.”
Materiality plays a pivotal role in defining the home’s character. The juxtaposition of durable materials like concrete with the warmth of timber imbues the space with permanence and comfort. Sam Cooper, project architect at Ha Architecture, reflects on these choices: “Internally, we chose materials that are durable and suit the needs of daily life. Softer elements, such as curtains, subtle colour and a connection to the garden, were added to create a comfortable environment. The calmness and warmth of the living spaces is something that everyone mentions when they first visit.”
The brief focused on enhancing the home’s layout to better engage with the backyard, improve the living areas and adapt to the needs of a growing family.
Inside, the streamlined kitchen and concealed cabinetry maximise space and enhance tranquillity, with the layout designed to include two dedicated workspaces. Cooper says, “with a tight budget, we convinced the clients to work with what was existing for one workspace and find a concealed, efficient option for the second. Wrapping the space in joinery was a relatively costly option for a modest project, but streamlined efficiency of the space contributes largely to the calmness of the living areas.”
One of the home’s defining features is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Carefully designed glazing, with minimal interruptions, fosters a seamless flow. Harding highlights, “one functional oversized door at the end of the hallway connects the dining table with the courtyard. A window adjacent to the kitchen island acts as a servery and allows for communication between inside and outside.”
The connection between the existing weatherboard and the new timber-clad extension is another subtle yet powerful design choice. Externally, Ha Architecture mimics the silhouette of the original house, with the extension offering contemporary details that give a clear distinction while maintaining harmony.
The bathrooms add a playful touch to the living areas, featuring terrazzo pink flooring, timber cabinetry and white tiles. “We wanted to throw in something more playful,” notes Cooper. “The colour and visual texture of terrazzo was appealing; however, we kept it on the floors and skirts to avoid overdoing it. The off-white wall tiles kept it classic while adding a little interest with the vertical pattern.”
Sustainability is integral to Three Peaks House, with passive design principles woven throughout. The home’s modest size, precise functionality and ventilated facades create a healthy and enduring space. “North-facing windows and suitable shading was – and always is – a given,” says Cooper. Gas was abolished, and all new services were selected with longevity and sustainability in mind.” Three Peaks House acts as a testament to sustainable design, offering a home that adapts to the future while respecting the past.
Architecture and interior design by Ha Architecture. Build by Square and Triangle.
