Richly Authentic – Island House by Derive Architecture & Design with Michael and Tim Maxwell

An immersive experience in a remote and removed location, Island House is the coming together of considered and curated treasures awaiting exploration. Derive Architecture & Design and owners Michael and Tim Maxwell collaborate to honour the surrounds and create a unique and authentic response to place.

Sited within a UNESCO world heritage site on Lord Howe Island, Island House affords guests a distinct opportunity to disconnect from everyday city life and awaken curiosities through an engagement with the surrounds. The brief called for a simple structure that would withstand the often harsh environmental elements and allow a weaving of the forms among the established Bayan trees. Whilst the island itself awaits exploration, the home is overlayed with personal touches from the owners. Island House features a collection of elements from the owners’ travels, highlights pieces such as cutlery to inspire imagination and includes sculptures and artworks as a unique aspect of the home.

Sited within a UNESCO world heritage site on Lord Howe Island, Island House affords guests a distinct opportunity to disconnect from everyday city life and awaken curiosities through an engagement with the surrounds.

Derive Architecture & Design worked closely with owners Michael and Tim Maxwell to manage the design and delivery of the home. By inviting guests into their world, Michael and Tim wanted to carefully temper every detail to propose an authentic and nature-inspired experience. Whilst the interior’s raw finishes and features complement the openness to the surrounds, the outward views of the kitchen and dining areas are central to the home’s experience. Similarly, the inspiration for the outdoor area design was derived from the desire to stargaze – an uninhibited view of the sky allows for night-time enjoyment.

Surrounded by lush landscaping, the ease of flow between the home’s indoor and outdoor spaces ensures reminders of place are present through a total engagement of the senses. Sourced from the gardens, produce nourishes guests and reminds of the effects of a simplified existence and smaller carbon footprint. Built through a collaborative effort, the two structures of the residence sit naturally within the terrain. The home embraces a sustainable heart with integrated operable facades, systems taking full advantage of solar gains, water collection and retention and natural ventilation.

By inviting guests into their world, Michael and Tim wanted to carefully temper every detail to propose an authentic and nature-inspired experience.

Inviting guests for both adventure and rest, Island House delivers on its promise as an escape for relaxation and digital disconnection. Together with owners Michael and Tim Maxwell, Derive Architecture & Design combines a light-footed engagement with nature with a curated interior inspiration.