Description

The post–World War II expansion of suburban Melbourne reshaped areas such as Doncaster and Templestowe, where former orchards gave way to new neighbourhoods and new ways of living. For modernist architects, this period offered an opportunity to reimagine the family home as a more open, responsive and generous environment—one shaped by light, landscape and climate rather than rigid convention.

Homes from this era prioritised views, connection to the outdoors and flexible planning, embracing elements such as window walls and breezeways. Interiors featured honest, tactile materials including brick, timber panelling and exposed structure, reflecting a belief that good design could enrich everyday life through practicality and a strong connection to place. Built in 1972 to a design by architect Ian Smith, Light Well House is a highly intact and accomplished example of early 1970s residential modernism.

Recently featured in Bush Modern by Sean Fennessy and Jessica Lillico, its restrained, box-like form, flat roof and repetitive elevations are characteristic of the post-war modernist idiom, while its rigorous modular planning sets it apart. Based on a four-foot grid and a trabeated post-and-beam system, the structure eliminates the need for load-bearing internal walls, allowing spaces to flow and adapt over time. This system-built approach reflects a generosity of thinking that values flexibility, efficiency and longevity. Now home to interior decorator Simone Haag and her family, Light Well House continues this legacy through a sensitive adaptation for contemporary living.

What's On

Join us for a hosted Open House Melbourne program at Light Well House where you will be free to explore its beautifully curated interiors at your own pace.

A highlight of the experience will be the opportunity to gain insight into the architectural thinking behind the house and its contemporary life through a special Q&A session with the original architect Ian Smith, GML Associate Mark Huntersmith (Ian Smith’s son), and interior decorator and owner Simone Haag.

Together, they will share perspectives on the home’s original design ethos, its enduring architectural value, and the careful process of adapting a modernist house for contemporary family life. This is a rare chance to experience an extraordinary private home, and to learn how generous design through light, structure and adaptability can endure across generations.

In Collaboration With:

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  GML Heritage

  GML is a leading heritage practice with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. For over 30 years, we’ve connected people and place. Our team works across history, archaeology, the built environment, landscapes and interpretation, partnering across sectors to deliver thoughtful, values-driven outcomes that enrich communities, support sustainable development, and respect First Nations perspectives.

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  Simone Haag

  With an acclaimed portfolio and enviable client list, Simone Haag is one of Australia’s leading interior decorators. Her work brings together vintage finds, contemporary design and artful curation, creating enduring interiors shaped by personal stories, refined detail and a singular design vision, and a quietly confident, timeless approach to curating interiors.