Immersed in Nature – Ferndale by Webster Architecture & Interiors

Ferndale is an elegant family residence by Webster Architecture & Interiors in the leafy suburb of Glen Iris, south-east Melbourne. Celebrating the integration of architecture and landscape, every space in the home is a calming sanctuary immersed in the garden by Nathan Burkett Landscape.

The design intent was to seamlessly unite the architecture with the landscape and to create a contemporary structure that was softened by the sumptuous plant life around it. Together, the design and construction teams pushed the boundaries of modern residential design to create a home that was the sought-after draw prize during the 2020 Royal Melbourne Hospital Home Lottery. Ferndale is now a forever home to one very lucky family.

The design intent was to seamlessly unite the architecture with the landscape and to create a contemporary structure that was softened by the sumptuous plant life around it.

Upon entering through a full-height timber door, an immediate connection to leafy vistas is experienced at every turn. Through strategic placement of floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding pocket doors, and a double void, dappled natural light cascades into the space and dancing shadows enliven the home at all hours of the day. From the front sitting room with north-facing windows greeting a garden view axis to the internal atrium flooded with morning light, there is no shortage of relaxing zones that offer a sense of calm thanks to their relationship with the outdoors.

The kitchen’s soft green cabinetry complements the vast garden views, while brushed brass tapware and a porcelain island bench become the hero of the space. Follow the engineered oak floorboards past the central dining area and one reaches the open-concept living room– featuring ceilings over four metres tall and a spectacular view of the outdoor pool. The room is finessed with timber wall panelling, ample storage and a freestanding gas fireplace from Escea.

The fireplace is compact and sleek, with a large window for flame watching, adding yet another element of nature to the space along with a touch of warmth for cool winter nights. Renowned for modern, minimalist styling, heating efficiency and ease of use, Escea’s products are based on the principal belief that a fireplace should not only be functional but should also be a thing of remarkable beauty. Escea fireplaces are proudly designed and individually handcrafted in Dunedin, New Zealand. As the manufacturer, Escea provides in-depth product knowledge and aids architects and designers in their specification process.

At Ferndale, the fireplace was supplied and installed by local fireplace specialists at Stoke Fireplace Studio. Stoke has several inspiring showrooms located across Australia and New Zealand providing additional sales support and design consultation. Stoke encourages architects and designers to visit these showrooms, along with their clients, to work collaboratively on the concept before the Escea products are professionally installed. Stoke also undertakes site visits to gain a clear understanding of the project and its requirements. The close relationship between Stoke and Escea means that Escea’s own Architectural Advisory team, dedicated to helping architects and specifiers with their plans and design, are also available to contribute their expertise. For a project like Ferndale, this support from concept to completion ensures that the final result reflects the overall calibre of the design.

With a focus on quality and a close alignment between the architecture, interiors and landscape, Ferndale offers a retreat away from the bustle of the city outside. Through the consistent practice of reduction and restraint, Webster Architecture & Interiors has created a home that is both beautiful and functional – and one where the fortunate inhabitants can enjoy nature both indoors and out.

The fireplace is compact and sleek, with a large window for flame watching, adding yet another element of nature to the space along with a touch of warmth for cool winter nights.

At Ferndale, the fireplace was supplied and installed by local fireplace specialists at Stoke Fireplace Studio.