Nestled within the Canberra Nature Reserve, Red Hill Residence merges distinctive elements of the original home with a more modern approach. While the initial residence was conceived as an homage to Balinese architecture, with dark and heavy timber expressed throughout, the owners were seeking a more refreshing overall feel to their home, requesting more lighter and open gestures. With original architecture by Architects Ring & Associates, SJS Interior Design focused on anchoring the home to its site.

Red Hill Residence emerges as a contemporary Eastern fusion of sorts. Retaining the original elements of the home that the owners were drawn to, the new works see an additional layering and reworking of the planning to adjust the volumes and silhouette to better engage with the surrounds. Being surrounded by such abundance of lush and established landscaping called for an increase in openings and clear visual access between inside and out. By centring the open living, kitchen and dining space, other supporting and recessive spaces are then able to become more retreat-like and passive.

Tucked away from neighbouring homes, the home’s materiality and texture needed to echo a natural connection. A combination of warm and complementary elements such as dark bronze, aged brass and smoked timber ensure the original tonality is used as inspiration yet does not overpower the end resolve. Together with a balancing of lighter elements, natural stone and handmade tiles, mostly white walls offer a counter to the deeper colourings throughout.Aiming to represent a heightening of the everyday as well as a contemporary take on warm luxury, Red Hill Residence carefully combines past and present. Through the lens of its owners and how they envision living in the home, SJS Interior Design ensures a continued relevancy and connection to place.