Staging: Chiara Hunwick
Staging: Chiara Hunwick

Rainforest Retreat

A Tranquil Haven Reborn Amidst the Dandenongs

Nestled in the lush rainforests of the Dandenongs, a hidden gem awaited its transformation. The owners, young first-time homeowners, saw beyond the worn facade and outdated interior of their weatherboard home. They recognised its potential and embarked on a journey to create their dream space. With a clear design brief and a vision of spaciousness and rejuvenation, they turned to architecture and design professionals to bring their dream to life.

The renovation of this old weatherboard home in the Dandenongs showcases the power of vision and the ability to breathe new life into a tired space. The young homeowners, with their unwavering determination, embarked on a remarkable journey to create a rainforest retreat that perfectly suits their lifestyle. Through the use of consistent spotted gum flooring, light tonal paint colours, creative integration of Bord veneer boards, and the stunning INAX Yohen tiles, the house has been transformed into a haven that seamlessly blends with its surroundings. This renovation stands as a testament to the potential that lies within neglected spaces, reminding us all of the transformative power of good design.

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Fast forward to the new design, where careful choices and meticulous attention to detail have breathed new life into the old weatherboard home. From the choice of materials to the colour palette, every element has been thoughtfully considered to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Consistent spotted gum flooring, a hard-wearing Australian hardwood, was selected to withstand the demands of a family with a new dog. Its durability is matched by its warm and earthy tones, which provide a welcoming backdrop throughout the home.

To infuse the interiors with an airy and open feel, light, tonal paint colours have been applied. Occasionally anchored with a muted grey-green shade, these colours add depth and character to the space. The result is a balance that allows natural light to gracefully dance through the rooms, illuminating every corner.

One of the standout design features is the creative use of Bord veneer boards. Rather than concealing a structural beam that runs through the center of the room, these boards have become a beautiful feature, celebrating the timber floor and seamlessly tying the space together. This thoughtful design element adds warmth and character, paying homage to the home's heritage.

A defining element that unifies the entire scheme is the textural and tonal INAX Yohen border tiles. From the early stages of the project, the clients fell in love with these tiles, and the entire colour scheme was designed to complement them. These tiles act as a unifying thread, gracefully connecting the various areas of the home. Their organic patterns and soothing hues echo the tranquil beauty of the rainforest surroundings, further enhancing the retreat-like ambiance.

Completed
2022
Price to build
$0 - $0.25m
Building style
Classic
Living BEFORE
Living AFTER
Dining BEFORE
Dining AFTER
Kitchen BEFORE
Kitchen AFTER
Bathroom BEFORE
Bathroom AFTER

About the
Professional

Whisker Architecture
Whisker Architecture

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