Luxury Among the Trees – Zulaikha Laurence House by Brian Zulaikha and Drew Heath

After residing in the same Balmain laneway for more than 30 years, architect Brian Zulaikha of Studio ZAWA sought to design a residence that existed as an experiential pavilion and reflected the house’s context. With this ambition, Brian Zulaikha collaborated with Drew Heath to create a home where Brian and his partner can further enjoy the sleepy little laneway.

The resulting abode is a marvel to witness, one that has been designed with consideration for Sydney’s climate. Rather than attempting to shelter from the weather, Brian sought to embrace and adapt to it, creating a dwelling that is liveable in all conditions. When viewing the house from outside, the deliberate design and use of multiple timbers within allows the viewer to catch glimpses of the building’s skeleton, bestowing a treehouse aesthetic to this luxurious home. Further adding to this feel, the building itself is nestled comfortably amid the foliage and offers breathtaking views to Sydney Harbour.

When viewing the house from outside, the deliberate design and use of multiple timbers within allows the viewer to catch glimpses of the building’s skeleton, bestowing a treehouse aesthetic to this luxurious home.

With simplicity at the forefront, the design process and build brought several challenges. The intention was to remove as little of the existing structure as possible whilst retaining the existing brick walls, floors and roof. These considerations, coupled with access issues to the site due to its distinct location, meant the design had to remain fluid throughout the construction process.

A major aspect Brian wanted to keep in the home was the seamless connection to the outdoors. Embracing the bespoke, natural beauty of the residence’s location was key. Where possible, all doors and windows slide completely out of view, allowing for a luxurious, open-air feeling within. The greenery and plantings encroach on the dwelling, blurring thresholds in an effort to make the interiors and exteriors equal to the dwelling’s overall appeal and accentuate connectivity.

Embracing the bespoke, natural beauty of the residence’s location was key. Where possible, all doors and windows slide completely out of view, allowing for a luxurious, open-air feeling within.

There is a certain amount of creative freedom that is afforded when designing a residence, and when viewing the interior of Zulaikha Laurence House, one is struck with the feeling that personalised liveability was at the heart of every design decision. From the light pouring in through the skylights to the cleverness of doubling the bedroom wardrobe as an access door by using floor tracks. Brian and Drew make it abundantly clear that this is a home for those who want their designs to build upon day-to-day living.