Unexpected Reveal – Ha Ha Haus by FIGR

Exploring an immersive approach, Ha Ha Haus sits concealed within its native yet formally planned landscape and takes form as a darkened and recessive built envelope. FIGR elects to create a private and introverted home that uses the exterior shell as the bounding edge, offering the front landscape as a public space within the streetscape.

Formed around a central courtyard space, Ha Ha Haus appears bunkered into its site, with a sloping front façade that steps away from the entry to further emphasise an enclosed and disconnected feel from the outset. With the central open space accessed from within and an integrated garage door opening, the embedded privacy of the interior captures the idea of retreat. FIGR aims to redefine the residential typology through exploring form and playing with the role that thresholds play in outlining ownership and arrival.

FIGR aims to redefine the residential typology through exploring form and playing with the role that thresholds play in outlining ownership and arrival.

Using a dark outer shell, the home is deliberately camouflaged into the site, yet has a distinct presence among the streetscape. Internally, a lighter series of tones unfolds and welcomes interaction. Ha Ha Haus sits within a lushly landscaped setting by MUD Office, where a mix of native species soften the built edge. Taking lead from the absence of property fences within the area, landscape features are used as a tool to mark the beginning of one property and the end of another.

With a brief that allows for ageing in place, the entire property remains as one level, using the site at large to ensure amenity is integrated throughout. With the ability to cater for guests and intergenerational living, flexibility in the planning ensures the home can expand and contract as needed, whilst still feeling amenable and intimate throughout. The non-formalised approach to integrating the landscape and the built form sees a less conventional approach to residential life, resulting in a home that directly reflects its occupants and their associated lifestyles. Whilst a combination of darkened timber sits outside the home with masonry blockwork as a balancing agent, a more organic timber is used in the flooring, joinery and wall lining, adding texture and warmth to the internal spaces.

FIGR elects to create a private and introverted home that uses the exterior shell as the bounding edge, offering the front landscape as a public space within the streetscape.

Sitting within its established landscape, Ha Ha Haus inserts itself as a restrained and formally considered family home that creates a unique separation from the street. FIGR integrates a biophilic focus with supporting mechanisms for a sustainable life within a series of spaces designed to evolve with its owners over time.