Doonan Glass House

by Sarah Waller Architecture

Sarah Waller of Sarah Waller Architecture takes on the role of lead architect, chief builder and client to design and build her family home on the Sunshine Coast.

With her extensive design background and expertise as a licensed builder Sarah embraced the creative freedom to create a home inspired by the simplicity and sophistication of mid-century modern architecture. Intrinsically involved in every step of the process from the design and build, through to the final styling and decorative touches, Sarah’s Sunshine Coast home pairs beautiful form and function.

Sarah wanted to design a family home that could also function as a stunning showcase for her architectural studio Sarah Waller Architecture. Sarah drew inspiration from post war architecture, as well as Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House and Philip Johnson’s Glasshouse. Sarah created a design that focused on the use of glass and the transparency of the home which enabled a seamless integration into the landscape.

With her extensive design background and expertise as a licensed builder Sarah embraced the creative freedom.

A tropical feel pervades the lush landscaping which envelops the house and steps down the tiered block to create a resort-like feel poolside. Simple mass tropical planting with uplit feature trees are the basis of landscape design. Taking style cues from the Modernist Palm Springs pools popular during the ’50s, a similar look is evoked with a streamlined resort style linear pool, offset with a chic cabana furnished with casual pieces ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sweeping views.

The home’s minimalist appeal is accentuated with a timeless black and white palette inside and out. Texture is introduced with plants and the tactile surfaces, such as the white terrazzo floors, which flow throughout.

Sarah wanted to design a family home that could also function as a stunning showcase for her architectural studio Sarah Waller Architecture.

A restrained palette and clean lines define the minimalist kitchen which pairs functionality with striking sculptural form. Generous island benches in fine matt black laminate and marble-look porcelain, punctuate the open plan layout and reflect the linear monochrome feel throughout. The inner workings of the kitchen are cleverly contained within a deceptively cavernous black box, where open shelves, additional bench space and a butler’s sink are convenient yet out of sight.

Walls of glass spanning the length of the home, blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces and allow an abundance of natural light to stream through, imbuing warmth and unimpeded views of the verdant surrounds. A mix of concealed task lights and custom designed feature pendants form the layered lighting scheme which creates ambience at night with a flick of a switch. Inside architectural features are beautifully illuminated, while outside soaring coconut palm trees and architectural frangipanis are up-lit amongst the landscape.

Ultimatley Sarah Waller was able to balance the pressures of being a owner, client, builder and architect to create a beautiful family residence in her adopted home land.

Walls of glass spanning the length of the home, blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces.