Sensitive Robustness – Toowoomba House by Nielsen Jenkins

Following the slope of the terrain, Toowoomba House navigates the landscape to create a restful and disconnected home integrated into the surrounds. Nielsen Jenkins embraces the idea of patina by encasing the home in materiality that is robust, low maintenance and intended to age.

Once part of a large working dairy farm, the land that Toowoomba House occupies is part of a new subdivision. Wanting to retain a capture of the location and lush landscape, the approach is one that is recessive and cloaks the home in a darkened finish to allow the abundant greenery to remain the feature. Combining materials that are deliberately intended to suit the climate and require minimal maintenance, a stout yet refined home of considered proportions awaits. Aligning with the tops of the existing gum trees, the overall form nestles into the site, seeing Nielsen Jenkins control views in and out of the volumes.

With an integrated outdoor fireplace at its centre, the open void welcomes a connection to natural light and air, while acting as a gathering hearth for the functions of everyday family life.

Using the connection to the landscape as inspiration, the forms on site are arranged around a series of courtyards. With an integrated outdoor fireplace at the home’s central courtyard, the open void welcomes a connection to natural light and air and acts as a gathering space. Instilling a separation from the neighbouring homes was integral to the approach, with openings directing views away from neighbouring homes to reinforce the idea of enclosure and escape.

Assembled in a modular fashion, the rectilinear forms are arranged flush to the sloping site. Imagined as a shadowy silhouette among the existing vegetation, the overall form is dark and endeavours to make as little impact as possible. The home meanders through the landscape, creating a sense of discovery and revelation on approach. Internally, that darkness gives way to a combination of warm and textural tones, with a muted lightness further reinforcing the idea of the residence as a place of calm.

Combining materials that are deliberately intended to suit the climate and require minimal intervention over the coming years for maintenance, a stout yet refined home of considered proportions awaits.

Firmly taking its place in the streetscape, Toowoomba House offers a distinct experience in its careful and considered traversing of the landscape. Through its protective and anchored approach, Nielsen Jenkins forms the ideal foundations for the ebbs and flows of the years to come.