Buln Buln House by Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors

Nestled within the lush, pristine West Gippsland landscape, Buln Buln House is a spectacle without detracting from the natural beauty that cocoons it.

Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors designed a sculptural and abstract home that sits in harmony with its natural surroundings. “It’s a very singular-looking house,” says Glen Chamberlain, director at Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors. “We were lucky as we were able to orientate the house perfectly, it faces north and just so happens that the view is out that way,” says Chamberlain. “The client previously lived on the neighbouring property and so had a nuanced understanding of the area and an affinity with the site. They were interested in existing features – one being the large gum tree to the south and the views to the north.” Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors bore the clients’ interest in the gum tree and views as clues, which went on to form the structure for the home.

The facade is muted, mischievously concealing what is to come. Upon entry, “the house splits into a series of wings and, as you turn right from the front door, you ascend three steps into the main building area. The next part of the house that unfolds is up another series of steps … which takes you to one of the few places in the house where you get the full expanse of the view,” notes Chamberlain.

This is entered via a “glass link” that also symbolises entry into the parent’s retreat, which cantilevers out into the pool and takes in the views back to Mount Buln Buln. Towards the rear of the parents’ retreat is the most private part of the house, which connects to the existing gum tree. “There was this idea that we frame the views of the landscape with the house, control what is seen and highlight special parts of the landscape,” says Chamberlain.

Once inside, the materiality is tactile and muted, grounded in intricate brickwork, with a gentle rise through the house culminating in elevated spaces that cantilever over the landscape. “We started with the brickwork as a key component, using the brick externally and internally is a lovely element and bringing the brick internally gives it a softness and provides a beautiful quality to the spaces,” notes Chamberlain. In contrast, a rich walnut-stained American oak veneer is used for the majority of the house, imbuing warmth within the interior while offering a refreshing juxtaposition.

Buln Buln House is a graceful home that responds eloquently to its natural environment. Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors perfectly executes their initial vision for a connected, abstract home that sits humbly within the landscape.

Architecture by Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors.