The Matipo Tea House was designed as a home for our client's mother and with a view to be used by the client’s themselves in the future. The two bedroom home is a newly built private dwelling within the property.  

This home focuses on human wellbeing and spatial functionality that considers the best environment to fulfil the needs of a person with dementia while also feeling appropriate for those without those needs.

The exterior takes inspiration from an Australian rainforest home in Kuranda. The home was significant for the client's mother and so the cottage style architecture and environmental setting informed the new home. Dulux Scoria specifically, was used on the structural veranda elements and Dulux Colorsteel ‘Mist green’ assists in amplifying the garden/tropical context.

The exterior palette was brought into the interior cabinetry and on custom finished switch plates and door hardware. While timber window joinery, flooring and wall and ceiling linings provide warmth and a sense of home.

Clever colour use on interior details creates clear contrasts to enhance recognition of spatial areas and features as well as enhancing the general feel of the home. Dulux, Unbleached Calico was selected for it’s softness and warmth, pairing well with the timber tones.

Dulux, Sideshow, a muted yellow was applied to the architraves and skirtings, toning in with timber elements and providing a gentle colour contrast to the walls.

Textured wall tiles throughout the walk in shower and rest of the room are organic and grounding. The palette continues into this space through the pale green Dekton counter and touches of red in hardware.  

The slightly unusual colour combinations complement the other finishes to uplift and offer playful spaces that are gentle and calm.