Amelia Griffin-Toovey

HEARTWOOD

The Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation are the traditional custodians of the land of the site, a suburban lot atop a hill on the Yarra River.

The project acknowledges its rich pre-colonial history by adopting geometry and meaning from the Indigenous meeting point symbol. The symbol defines ‘meeting’ as coming together from different entry points into one concentrated, central space. The tectonic of radial geometry, the skeletal timber frame, and the structure and screening of repetitive columns define the building as an embodiment of the symbol in both its form and its function. Nature, fire and gathering are placed at the heart of the house, informing their importance for life and sustenance.

Two young families with shared values have come together to commission the house, their needs dictating a requirement of both communal and retreat space, space to work, share childcare, open to the community and connect to the outdoors.

Heartwood is a house for the here & now through its deep roots in place and connection to its culture and history, and a design for the future in communal living, integration of home and work, and environmentally sustainable design.

360° Masterplan Tour

Masterplan 1
View Masterplan 2: Terrain (on roundme)