Colour Block House by Sonder Architects
In the Canberra suburb of Cook, Sonder Architects transformed a townhouse within the Wybalena Grove community into a playful family residence defined by bold colour blocks, mid-century furniture and a fresh, feminine design.
Originally designed in 1974 by lauded architect Michael Dysart, Colour Block House took shape as not just a renovation, but an opportunity to bring warmth and character into a mid-century townhouse. The name Colour Block is a nod to one of the main design drivers of the space, serving as a metaphor for layering a new design language with the old.
The project sits within the Wybalena Grove development – a place that captured the homeowner’s attention over twenty years prior. When the client came across Dysart at the Design Canberra festival, his thoughts on communal housing approaches resonated with them, strengthening the desire to one day live within the community. “The brief was to respect the original design while reinstating features and maintaining the original layout,” shares Claire Reece, architect and principal at Sonder Architects. “Considering and improving environmental performance was important, as was ensuring we met our client’s vision for functionality and creating a fresh, feminine design language that complemented the existing house.”
Keeping in line with Dysart’s Sydney Regional style, the grey-brown brick facade remained untouched, blending in with neighbouring homes. Instead, Sonder Architects concentrated intense blocks of colour in the interior spaces. Inside, many of the original features have not just been retained, but celebrated. The original split-level layout unfolds seamlessly, connected by an open-tread stair. Exposed timber beams stretch across steeply raked ceilings, while timber flooring with a rich, caramel tone was installed throughout to create a natural, warm palette. The entry was tiled in keeping with the original format while also referencing another Canberra mid-century treasure, The Bischoff House.
“Our client highly values the original ‘nuts and berries’ Dysart design. Leaning into warm, natural materials and organic shapes goes hand-in-hand while respecting this architectural style.”
The project remained largely within the existing footprint. Rather than removing walls, the design focused on material shifts and enhancing original details. Inspiration for colours and textures were drawn from acclaimed artist Cressida Campbell’s work, known for highlighting native flora, domestic settings and colourful furnishings. “Connecting to nature is intrinsic to our design approach,” says Reece. “Our client highly values the original ‘nuts and berries’ Dysart design. Leaning into warm, natural materials and organic shapes goes hand-in-hand while respecting this architectural style.”
The kitchen, dressed in hues of pink, uses materials like Fibonacci stone, ironbark benchtops and joinery, and Mutina Din tiles. The space was designed to enhance dappled light throughout the day while bringing a playful elegance. The bedrooms reflect this same philosophy with subtle furnishings and considered pieces that can evolve as the client’s children grow older. In contrast, the bathrooms feature bright jewel tones – dark-green penny round tiles anchor the rooms, while lighter green one bordered by dark grout bring calm and serenity.
The interiors showcase the client’s collection of mid-century furniture. Bespoke timber pieces add warmth throughout the spaces, and the client’s personal art collection forms an upper-level loft gallery space. Several works, predominantly those of local female artists, bring tones and geometries that complement both the original architecture and new interior elements.
“The level of client involvement means the spaces are highly personal and highly valued. The satisfaction of having such a personalised home to relax with your family and friends is something to which we can all aspire,” says Reece.
Architecture and interior design by Sonder Architects. Build by Braithwaite Building & Eight Building Group. Landscape design by Harris Hobbs. Tiles by Artedomus and Academy Tiles. Artwork by Estelle Briedis, Al Munro, Heath Nash, Angelina Ngale, Annie Trevillian, Jack Dale Mengenen, Katjarra Butler and Megan Hinton.
