When you buy a property next to a lake, framing water views seems like the natural design response. However, when the view is located in the opposite direction of the sun, a design dilemma ensues.
Kennedy Nolan architects were faced with this predicament in a recent Ballarat project, calling for a masterful design response. Their solution – raise the home’s facade up a half-step to take advantage of the lake, while adding in north-facing clerestory windows throughout. These windows ensure ample natural light (important for navigating Ballarat’s cold winters), while the elevation facilitates lake views and privacy away from the adjacent busy road.
Another key challenge was to give this brand new home a mid-century feel – almost impossible in a new build! Kennedy Nolan managed to achieve this in collaboration with their client, and builder Spence Construction.
‘The client liked American looking ‘Brady Bunch’ style houses…. They also liked a subtropical vibe, which isn’t really appropriate for Ballarat,’ says Patrick Kennedy, co-founding director and principal at Kennedy Nolan. ‘In the end, we settled on a design with nostalgic elements to it with the stone and classic modernist feel, while managing proximity to the lake.’
‘They didn’t want anything ostentatious – they wanted something much more low-key – so it’s designed to fall back into the landscape over time,’ Patrick says.
Photos of this home were taken just eight months after completion, but lush vines and foliage can already be seen stretching across the property’s walls. ‘Everything was designed to establish pretty quickly, but also to grow over time,’ Patrick says. ‘There’s some big trees that will come up over the next 20 years.’
In the decades to come, the home’s natural materials will gracefully age and patina, walls will be engulfed in vines, and tree canopies will join in a green dome. A truly timeless home, destined to age gracefully!
Ballarat House by Kennedy Nolan. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Photo – Derek Swalwell
Internal courtyard views. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Hoffman Dining chairs from Thonet. Atticus dining table from Andrew Lowe. Custom pendant light designed by Kennedy Nolan. Anchor Ceramics planters. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Sesann lounge by Tacchini from Stylecraft, Sledge chair by Autoban for De La Espada, Cove coffee table by Jardan, Moda Piera floor lamp, Paintings by Cameron Gill, Laurel Side table by De La Espada from Criteria Collection. Photo – Derek Swalwell
The room with the lake view! Sesann lounge by Tacchini from Stylecraft, Sledge chair by Autoban for De La Espada, Cove coffee table by Jardan, Moda Piera floor lamp. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Zuster timber console with Valerie Restarick ceramics. Caroline Denervaud artwork from Otomys to the left. Sledge chair by Autoban for De La Espada in the living room beyond. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Sledge chair by Autoban for De La Espada. in the living room. Simone Karras ceramic vessel from Pepite. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Simone Karras vessels from Pepite. Sledge chair by Autoban for De La Espada. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Valerie Restarick ceramics. Caroline Denervaud artwork from Otomys. Zuster timber console. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Elba marble island from Artedomus. Tolomeo wall lamp by Artemide. Photo – Derek Swalwell
The internal courtyard can be also seen from the kitchen/living domain. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Douglas & Bec Line floor lamp. Jardan Memphis coffee table. Rug by Loom Rugs. Wrap knot object by SkLO. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Paulistano armchairs by Objekto from Hub Furniture. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Eleanor Louise Butt painting from Nicholas Thompson Gallery. Jo Wilson timber sculptures. New York sofa by Saba Italia from Design Nation. Rug by Loom Rugs. Photo – Derek Swalwell
The beautiful pool! Photo – Derek Swalwell
Roda harp outdoor chair from Domo Furniture. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Palm Springs Sunlounger from Grazia & Co. Photo – Derek Swalwell
Photos of this home were taken just eight months after completion, but significant vines are already growing across the property’s walls. Photo – Derek Swalwell
