Blackwood Doonan by Sarah Waller Architecture

Nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Noosa hinterland, Blackwood Doonan is the resort-style home of architect Sarah Waller.

By artfully balancing assertive architecture with lush, cascading landscaping, Sarah Waller Architecture has created a residence that is both a sophisticated home and a luxurious retreat. Situated on a picturesque .75 hectares, the single-level dwelling is surrounded by greenery and seamlessly blends into the leafy Noosa Valley landscape. From the street, Blackwood Doonan is set back, providing privacy and enticing passersby, while approaching from the driveway, it feels tranquil and elegant.

“Everything is pared back here. As the saying goes, ‘Less is more’ and the black-and-white architecture conveys this concept perfectly.”

Waller has created a beautiful harmony between nature and the bold lines and shapes of the architecture. The facade is off-form concrete with black timber cladding punctuated by large expanses of steel-framed glass. While these elements are strong and create a feeling of impenetrability, greenery appears at every junction, softening the five-bedroom, five-bathroom, five-car-garage home. Each room is orientated towards the nearby golf course to capture breathtaking views of dams and swaying palm trees, elevating connectedness with the outdoors and creating a sense of tranquillity. An elegant pool, visible from all the living spaces, only adds to the residence’s resort-style feel.

The interior is restrained and monochromatic, a reflection of Sarah Waller Architecture’s design approach. “Everything is pared back here,” she explains. “As the saying goes, ‘Less is more’ and the black-and-white architecture conveys this concept perfectly.” The home echoes the familiar colour palette of the award-winning architecture studio – combining stark white and matte black, warmed with timber and eclectic accessories.

The large expanses of glass balance the bold off-form concrete, warm timbers and black accents to create a space that feels luxurious yet peaceful.

Glass is an ever-present feature of Blackwood Doonan, providing an elegant counterpoint to the robust exterior. It appears in the multitude of floor-to-ceiling windows and as a bridge that links two distinct pavilions. Waller likes working with glass for its transparent quality, welcoming natural light into the home and adding yet another layer of calm and serenity. Moreover, it balances the bold off-form concrete, warm timbers and signature black accents to create a space that feels luxurious yet peaceful.

Grounded in a sense of rest and indulgence, the home is a welcome contrast to the busyness of Noosa’s Hastings Street, a 20-minute drive away. Blackwood Doonan is a light-filled, resort-style oasis for Wallen and her family to retreat to, relax and rejuvenate.

Architecture and interior design by Sarah Waller Architecture. Engineering by Structures Engineering Design. Joinery by Gull Design Joinery. Furniture by King Living.