Yala by Heartly and ACASA Designed

Yala emerges from a close collaboration between Heartly and ACASA Designed as a warm and grounded family home that sits quietly within the landscape.

With an open courtyard sitting at the centre of the floor plan, Yala balances an open and closed approach to allow for protection from the elements and visual access to the landscape. Located in Mount Martha, the home’s positioning optimises natural light and ventilation, enhancing the idea of the residence being a sanctuary. Although the dwelling is located on the coast, there is a significant and deliberate departure from the typified light palette; a dark, raw palette of finishes prevails. Rammed earth physically connects the structure to the terrain, while the use of darkened timber reinterprets the surrounding context.

Across the site, various textures and ground coverings break up the journey and soften the transition between spaces.

Across the site, various textures and ground coverings break up the journey and soften the transition between spaces. The decision to create an equal focus on the interior and surrounds ensures the entire site becomes activated and was an important undercurrent of the design. From the pool tiles to the structures dotted across the site, the aim was to enhance an overall feeling of calm and sensory immersion.

Internally, the exposed rammed-earth walls are combined with a neutral colour story. This palette is lifted by finishes such as timber, stone, linen and aged bronze. Keeping the overall form to one level ensures that there is free-flowing access between inside and out. In surrounding the home with such an array of select native plantings, the boundaries of the site are softened, masking the urban location.

The decision to create an equal focus on the interior and surrounds ensures the entire site becomes activated and was an important undercurrent of the design.

Following the contours of the site, Yala is both responsive and sensitive to the existing site. The restraint used throughout by Heartly and ACASA Designed resulted in a calming setting where everyday moments are heightened.

Building design by ACASA Designed. Interior design by Heartly. Build by Whelan Project Builders. Landscape design by Studio Blac.