An Idyllic Sanctuary – Long Garden House by Bower Architecture & Interiors

Words by Lola McKimm
Photography by Shannon McGrath
Landscape Design by Lisa Ellis Gardens
Engineering by EMTO engineers
Artwork by Brian Mudgedeil
Artwork by Guan Wei
Artwork by JJ Bennett
Artwork by Simon Terrill
Artwork by Jon Cattapan
Artwork by Stephen Bush

Located in North Caulfield, Long Garden House by Bower Architecture & Interiors is an oasis of serenity and light, crafted with practical living spaces that effortlessly merge with a lush garden to offer an idyllic escape. Sustainably designed, the home is crafted to focus on energy efficiency, comfort and a respect for the environment.

The site’s natural orientation was the ideal foundation for the L-shaped plan, which sees the main living areas positioned to face north and extend into the tranquil garden. This arrangement maximises both privacy and outdoor space whilst creating a seamless flow of movement between inside and out. The interplay of light and shadows created by overhanging floors and vertical battened screens shades the home from the sun yet harnesses its warmth and allows the radiant glow to animate the internal spaces.

The interior of Long Garden House is a symphony of sophistication and simplicity, with a serene palette of materials such as Carrara marble in the kitchen and bathrooms and refined oak woodwork detailing setting the stage for a warm and inviting ambiance.

The interior of Long Garden House is a symphony of sophistication and simplicity, with a serene palette of materials such as Carrara marble in the kitchen and bathrooms and refined oak woodwork detailing setting the stage for a warm and inviting ambiance. The walls, crafted with reinforced masonry, are finished in a delicate shade of white, providing a canvas for personal style to flourish. The playful splash of blue herringbone tiles in the bathrooms offers a touch of whimsy, thoughtfully chosen to balance sophistication and fun as the family’s children grow.

Sustainability was also a key consideration in the design of Long Garden House. Energy efficiency and comfort were of utmost importance, and so both passive and active design elements were incorporated into the structure’s design. These integrations included a solar array on the roof with battery storage, a heat pump hydronic heating system, high-performance and thermally broken double-glazed windows, and thorough insulation and sealing.

The interplay of light and shadows created by overhanging floors and vertical battened screens shades the home from the sun yet harnesses its warmth and allows the radiant glow to animate the internal spaces.

Long Garden House not only transcends time but has a clear core appreciation for the environment. With its warm and inviting atmosphere created by timber ceilings and its environmentally conscious features, the residence seamlessly blends beauty, practicality and environmental responsibility.