Immersive Retreat – The Nak House by Wolveridge Architects

Formally a knackery, The Nak House sees creative and adaptive re-use transform an existing shell into a warm and immersive home amid an enviable landscape. Wolveridge Architects combines a connection to natural materiality and a reimagining of space to embrace the location and an outdoor-lived life.

Located within the Gippsland region in Trafalgar, The Nak House sits tucked away from the surrounding world. In its previous life, the building took on a much different guise as a knackery and, some twenty years ago, was transformed by Wolveridge Architects into its present home. Having passed ownership since then, the bones of the existing have remained, seeing new openings and a refined finish make the space feel more familiar as a home. The insertion of large and expansive windows allows a connection between the inside and out, ensuring an embedded connection to place. In reimagining the voluminous space into a residence, an additional mezzanine level was added to create a private bedroom space and supporting bathroom, whilst the lower level remains open and double heighted.

With the insertion of a new kitchen, bathroom and crafted elements throughout, the home is reimagined with purpose and as a considered place for retreat.

With the insertion of a new kitchen, bathroom and crafted elements throughout, the home is reimagined with purpose and as a considered place for retreat. The original intent was to create a home that was both liveable and could withstand the conditions it sat within without having to worry about maintenance or the deterioration of its parts. Having withstood the area previously, it was imperative that any additions or amendments were conceived from a similar robustness that ensured its longevity.

Occupying three acres of land within the Uralla Nature Reserve, The Nak House is regularly visited by kangaroos, echidnas, wombats and native birds. The established trees provide a protective barrier and soften the home, with framed views out from every window; the result is a structure that feels deeply disconnected from urban life and allows its owners to feel recharged when home. A natural warmth wraps the exterior and is brought internally, seeing concrete blockwork act as a cooling counter material to break up the timber. Views out are then framed with timber openings and glass, always bringing a sense of the outside in.

A natural warmth wraps the exterior and is brought internally, seeing concrete blockwork act as a cooling counter material to break up the timber.

Able to be opened completely, The Nak House combines shelter and a unique absorption of landscape at the same time. Along with the current owners, Wolveridge Architects ensures the legacy of the building remains whilst embedding a newfound relevance.