Kookaburra Ridge
Homeroom Studio melded the hues and rhythms of rural living with its distinctive restrained approach to create Kookaburra Ridge.
To envision a rural retreat outside Daylesford in Victoria, Homeroom Studio founder Romy Dankner and her team felt it crucial to immerse themselves in the colours and forms of the locale. “Spending time there and understanding the landscape was an integral part of our process,” Dankner says. “Walking the site allowed us to understand its scale and stillness – informing a design that feels connected, considered and grounded in place.”
Set against a backdrop of towering pine trees atop a sculpted ridgeline, Kookaburra Ridge feels firmly connected to place – natural, intuitive, subtle. Pale timber vertical battens and broad glass apertures create a restrained presence, one deeply attuned to the clients’ desire for a residence that felt like a retreat from the world. “They wanted a home away from home where they could switch off, unwind and feel deeply connected to their surroundings,” Dankner explains.
Integral to that sense is a floor plan which unfolds with clarity and purpose – enhancing both the interior flow and connection to the outdoors – and a material palette rich in texture but soft in tone. “Warm neutrals reflective of the landscape are offset by deep khaki green elements that introduce moments of strength and depth.” Natural timber and textured stone flooring ground the spaces, while striking swathes of stone from Artedomus bring restrained drama to the kitchen and bathrooms. “Detailing is intentionally pared back, drawing focus to the heavily veined and expressive natural stones. The design is softened by gently rendered walls and open-weave linen window furnishings that drift effortlessly with the breeze.”
A hint of the refined design language that lies ahead is offered at the home’s entrance, flanked by a Lee armchair by Flexform from Fanuli, with the front door featuring a striking custom-designed Kookaburra door handle by Suzie Stanford. The elevated furnishings and fittings continue throughout the spaces: red Hof stools from Great Dane Furniture in the kitchen, a Ginger chaise and Parker screen by Antonio Citterio for Flexform in the den and bedroom, respectively; and rugs from Cadrys.
Kookaburra Ridge is an exquisite exploration of the connection between design and landscape, where, Dankner says, “the home’s interiors respond intuitively to light, views and topography. It was an exercise in quiet sophistication, demonstrating how thoughtful spatial organisation and material integrity can elevate both form and atmosphere within a home harmoniously grounded in its setting.”
Building design consultation and furniture curation by Homeroom Studio. Stone by Artedomus. Stone flooring by Eco Outdoor. Artwork by Lander-Se.
