Description

Life Down a Lane reimagines suburban family living within a compact urban site, nestled among seven neighbouring properties and fronting a vehicular laneway.

Designed for a young family, the home responds to its constraints with an innovative approach that prioritises privacy, security, and a deep connection to nature. At its core, lush internal gardens anchor the home, with living spaces wrapping around the perimeter. Expansive windows frame garden views, while brick boundary walls create a sense of tranquillity. A narrow, light-filled link connects two double-storey volumes, seamlessly integrating greenery into the interiors.

Challenging convention, the living areas—including the kitchen, dining, and lounge—are placed on the upper floor to capture elevated views, while bedrooms and bathrooms remain at ground level for privacy and direct garden access.

Sustainability is integral to the home’s design. Brick and concrete provide thermal mass for passive temperature control, while external blinds and clerestory windows enable flexible shading and natural ventilation. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and an all-electric system enhance energy efficiency.

This project is a testament to the power of considered design, transforming a constrained site into a serene and sustainable family sanctuary.

What's On

This guided tour offers visitors the chance to explore Life Down a Lane, an architecturally designed private residence, and hear directly from the project’s architect. Visitors will walk through the home, experiencing its unique inward-facing courtyard, reverse-living arrangement and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The architect will discuss key design principles, including privacy, spatial flow, and sustainability. Visitors will also learn how passive design strategies enhance comfort and efficiency. The tour concludes with a Q&A session, providing further insight into the home’s innovative approach to urban family living.