In WA, a sensitive new build celebrates the natural beauty of its bushland setting.

Designed for a semi-retired couple in WA’s South West, this new build on the edge of the bush offers privacy in an open setting.

LIVING Generous windows create an intimate relationship with the bush while insulated glass keeps the home energyefficient. Sofa, bench and basket, Living Edge. Walnut coffee table, Nathan Day Design. Glass-top table, Ultimo Interiors. Rug, Temple Fine Rugs. Powder-coated aluminium doors with Viridian SolTech Neutral glass, Architectural Window Systems.

Designer buy: Pulpo Oda floor lamp, $3775, and table lamp, $2895, Ultimo Interiors.

Alove of the bush and the search for a peaceful retreat drove the design of this ultra-contemporary home in one of Australia’s most beautiful country locations – WA’s South West region. From the road, it’s a solid structure that stretches across the land, strong in form and presence. Behind the rammed limestone front wall, however, lies an elegant extended-family home with a sense of lightness and sophistication that draws directly from nature.

Having previously lived in a number of country areas with their two children before settling in Bunbury 20 years ago, semi-retired owners Andrew and Lynne knew they wanted their next home to connect with the landscape. It took a couple of years, but in 2014 they found the perfect 1 ha hill top block 10 minutes from the town of Dunsborough. There, architecture and design studio The Colour Royale Design Group (TCR), headed by their son Aaron King, has created a house that blends privacy and hospitality while borrowing magical vistas from the native marri and grass trees beyond.

Designed to zone out the road in front of it, the building is 45 min length and comprises two wings flanking a pavilion-style courtyard next to the entry. The larger wing includes the main bedroom suite, which can be completely closed off to become a retreat with its own courtyard, plus a study, laundry and art studio. Adjacent is the open-plan kitchen and dining, with the main living area under a 4.5m ceiling. The guest wing has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchenette and living area that also serves as an extra bedroom. Special features include a butler’s pantry and a roof terrace over the kitchen – perfect for entertaining or stargazing.

MAIN DECK For relaxed outdoor entertaining, a Ziegler & Brown barbecue was installed in the marine-grade stainless-steel bench. The spotted-gum decking was treated with Feast Watson matt-finish deck oil and will soften to a silvery hue over time. For a similar outdoor setting, try Bunnings.

ENTRY Rammed limestone columns conceal the front door and handy outdoor shower. On the right is the garage and workshop. “One of the things with rural properties is most end up with a big eyesore of a shed,” says Aaron. “I wanted to make this garage into a feature by using Corten steel.

KITCHEN/DINING Custom cabinetry is a strong design element opposite and this page, bottom left throughout the house. It’s mostly a high-contrast interplay of American oak and black Polytec laminate with exposed plywood edging. On the other side of the kitchen wall is a large butler’s pantry and generous storage space for wine. Grigio Blue limestone tiles on splashback, Surface Australia. Smeg ovens, cooktop and dishwasher. Rangehood, Whispair. Dining table, Nathan Day Design. Resident Studio Hex pendant light, District. Guaxs silver tray and vase (with foliage), Ultimo Interiors.

Designer buy: Eames moulded plywood chairs, $1350 each, Living Edge.

ENSUITE Glass sliding doors and louvres offer green vistas from an indulgent volcanic stone Barcelona bath supplied by Victoria+Albert. Icon tapware, Astra Walker. Vitra basin, Rogerseller. Cabinetry by TRC. LIVING/DINING The limestone tiles have a unique character. Cabinetry in American oak with a concrete base. Fireplace, Cheminées Philippe. Eames recliner, ottoman and stool, Living Edge.

EASTERN DECK Painted stumps make perfect side tables in a bush environment. This spot also enjoys sunshine from the lightwell above. Smart buy: UFO pot, from $129, The Pottery Boutique.

MAIN BEDROOM A bank of wardrobe units creates a line of sight to an inviting leather seat in the owners’ wing, which is easily closed off when required. Armchair, Ultimo Interiors.

‘My parents were drawn to the idea of imperfection in nature and how materials change over time – that’s how country houses are.’ Aaron King, principal designer

“My parents wanted a family home but a different take on it,” says Aaron, interior architect and principal designer on the project. “The idea is that you have somewhere to meet in the middle, but you can also get out of each other’s hair if the grandchildren are running wild.”

The entrance is through a courtyard shielded by limestone columns; its deck continues through the house and surrounds the main living area, which juts out into the landscape. Here, the take on native trees and shrubs through 3m-high glass doors sets the tone for the home. “We used natural materials that referenced the bush and others that would blend into the landscape,” says Aaron. “The spotted-gum deck at the front will silver off, the cladding on the wings will fade to charcoal, and the Corten steel will mellow to a taupey-purple. The whole building will soften with age.”

Inside, the couple were after a modern look, though not one coldly minimal. “It’s a country house and we wanted to display objects, art, pots, pans and bigger vases,” says Lynne. “We didn’t want it all sleek and hidden away.” To cope with the dust, mud, kids and firewood coming in, Aaron specified a “rural-proof” concrete floor and warmed it with American-oak cabinetry. The end result was voted 2017 Best Country Home in the region’s Master Builders-Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards. Andrew is well aware of his home’s merits. “It doesn’t look perched, it’s nestled,” he says. “It feels peaceful, comfortable and at one with the bush.”

BACKYARD Andrew, Lynne and Aaron enjoy the from left warmth of the home’s northern orientation. With its back turned to the road, all the significant rooms face the bush.

GUESTROOM A bright space to wake up in. For similar timber bed, try Domayne. Linen, Pure Linen. Vase, Georg Jensen.

KITCHENETTE This handy feature helps guests to make themselves at home. Sink and tap, Sea of White. Eames chair, Living Edge. Teapot, Georg Jensen. Cushions, Ultimo Interiors.

GUEST LIVING Durable concrete flooring has been tinted with Onyx 44 oxide from Concrete Colour Solutions. Sofa, King Living. Cushion, Ultimo Interiors. Rug, Temple Fine Rugs.

GUEST BATHROOM More high-contrast oak and black elements ensures continuity. Basin, Rogerseller. Tap, Astra Walker. Tiles, Surface Australia.