Gable House by SSD Studio

Contemporary and spatially dynamic, Gable House is composed of simple, stepped volumes that follow the site’s slope, opening the interior to northern light, natural breezes and a lush landscape.

Informed by the clients’ Chinese and Irish heritage and their experiences living abroad in Dubai and Singapore, SSD Studio shaped a home that speaks to diverse influences. “The design reflects the clients’ shared appreciation for the simplicity of Scandinavian barn-style homes, enriched by the relaxed spirit of tropical modernism,” explains Sophie Solomon, principal of SSD Studio. Restrained materials and an understated form allow the house to sit comfortably within Kensington’s established grain of Californian Bungalows, while its cascading greenery harmonises with the tree-lined street.

The house responds to seasonal conditions, opening in summer to harness prevailing breezes and closing in winter to retain warmth absorbed by its thermally responsive structure.

The original home – a dilapidated Californian Bungalow with an intrusive second-storey addition – failed to engage meaningfully with the rear garden and pool, while its compromised layout limited liveability and long-term potential. While retention options were initially considered, a new build ultimately offered greater value for the family: environmentally, socially and economically. SSD Studio responded with a rational layout separating public and private zones, enhanced by a carefully composed spatial sequence –from the modest front entry to the soaring, double-height living volume – enriching the home’s sense of scale, light and connection.

Passive design principles underpin the design, shaping its layout and architectural form. The house responds to seasonal conditions, opening in summer to harness prevailing breezes and closing in winter to retain warmth absorbed by its thermally responsive structure. “With an east-west orientation and a tall neighbouring house to the north, the living area is stepped inward to optimise northern light,” explains Solomon. Along the side passage, a densely planted garden improves privacy, biodiversity and softness at the home’s edge. This renewed connection to the existing garden and pool strengthens the home’s relationship to its surroundings while enriching the experience of home with changing light, landscape and sky views.

“Guided by the principle of dematerialisation, each material was selected for its cost-effectiveness, thermal performance, embodied energy, recyclability and contribution to wellbeing,” says Solomon.

Gable House’s material palette carefully balances robustness and refinement. Off-form concrete provides thermal mass and structural clarity, complemented by thermally modified timber battens that soften the exterior. Internally, soft-grey engineered timber floorboards flow across both levels, complemented by limestone pavers that transition seamlessly to the rear balcony, bleacher steps and pool. Throughout, mellow timber veneer accents lend warmth and a tactile connection to nature. “Guided by the principle of dematerialisation, each material was selected for its cost-effectiveness, thermal performance, embodied energy, recyclability and contribution to wellbeing,” says Solomon.

Immersing the occupants in the natural world with framed views, dappled light and shifting breezes, Gable House shows how modesty, proportion and material honesty can elevate daily life. From its respectful street presence to its calm, layered interiors, the design fosters ease, adaptability and connection – a sustainable and deeply human sanctuary for family life.

Architecture and interior design by SSD Studio. Build by Cumberland Building. Landscape design by Harrison’s Landscaping. Engineering by SDA Structures. Lighting by EST Lighting. Furniture by GlobeWest. Artwork by Caroline Duffy, Amber Hearn, Emma Lindegaard, Diana Miller and Katarina Wells.