Garden House

Design: Sabi Design

Builder: Invision NT

Photography: Maison Creative

Year Constructed: 2023

Location: Howard Springs, Northern Territory

The concept for the Garden House was to design a tropical rural retreat that would maximise the families love and connection to the outdoors. Three long lineal pods with three striking skillion roofs each zone and provide a different use for the family, one for living, one for sleeping and a private guest retreat. Each pod is linked by indoor and outdoor walkways lined with feature spotted gum timber ceilings and surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

We positioned the house capture views towards a reserve, provide privacy from the road, but also cast a shadow for harsh west sunlight. As the sun sets in the west, the house then cast’s a shadow to the east where the afternoon activities will take place on the deck and around the pool area. Every part of this house is cross ventilated using large louver windows lined up parallel to one another and by following our “One Room Deep” design principle to ensure maximum breezes can enter and leave the spaces. This ensures minimal use of mechanical cooling year round. A semi-elevated design allows breezes to pass underneath the house. Lightweight wall construction means that the walls can cool down fast in the nighttime. Internal ceilings in the living area, master bedroom and grand parent retreat are raked for air movement. The stunning pool with infinity edge is positioned to use evaporative cooling from dry season breezes that will pass over the water and into the living areas.