Carved Into a New Relevance – Garden House by Zen Architects

An inspiring renovation of an existing housing estate – Mount Eagle Estate – has since retained its relevance to influence a recent renovation by Zen Architects of one of the estate’s original homes, Garden House. Zen Architects enhances the existing natural landscape and ties the garden back into the home.

The midcentury architecture of the original 1930s home had been subjected to minimal changes over the years. Referencing the estate’s design and teardrop shape of the community gardens that once populated it, Zen Architects reflected the curved topographical gestures and fluidity with a desire to subdue the house and make the landscape the hero.

Upon entry, one is immediately greeted with a panoramic view of the garden beyond – Zen Architects retains the original façade and the front three rooms to provide an unassuming entry that heightens the impact of the interventions beyond. Moving into the extension, elements of the landscape – including rock forms, native vegetation and gum trees – inform the natural and organic material palette of the home.

Stepping out through the rear façade, one is immediately connected to the landscape through a curved glass façade and large windows that frame views of the garden throughout the home. Teardrop-shaped gardens wrap around the house and, once again, bring them deep into the residence. Curved edges of the kitchen allow for natural flow within the space and tie in with the rest of the dwelling.

Through updating amenities, providing more comfort and allowing a greater connection to the landscape, Zen Architects reconciles the home with the client’s rituals as well as the landscape in which it sits.