As the family home of generations past becomes increasingly unable to meet the needs of its current inhabitants, a new chapter begins with the construction of a sustainable and accommodating family home. Thisledoo is an ode to the original dwelling, staying true to its humble beginnings while elevating it with modern amenities that are both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
The brief requested a new build that was sensitive to what came before it. The original family home was humble and compact with strong generational ties. The new Thisledoo was to be a more accommodating and sustainably oriented family home built from the bones of the original.
Burnished concrete floors, locally sourced hardwood, passive solar design principles and extensive low-e glazing complete this 4 bedroom, 2 living split level home that continues to integrate with its surrounds at every opportunity. A darker interior palette grounds this home and allows the vibrancy of the surrounding ferns and landscaped gardens to be the highlight of the experience.
Thisledoo is an example of how sustainability can be achieved without compromising on style or comfort. It’s also a reminder that history should not be forgotten when creating something new—it’s best celebrated in our work. As architect Jessica Murray notes, “We wanted to create something that maintained all the charm of what had been there for decades but gave it an update for modern day living."
Thisledoo is proof that sustainable building practices can coexist with traditional values—and even enhance them! Its use of natural materials, energy efficient design principles, and respect for its environment make it an ideal model for future builds looking for ways to become more eco-friendly without sacrificing comfort or style.
We are an Architecture Practice based on the Surfcoast, Victoria, servicing Victoria-wide, specialising in designing homes of quality with high-value sustainable principles.
We passionately believe that carefully considered Architecture can contribute to the smallest of spaces and moments. To realize outcomes that are informed, intentional and responsive to their context.
We want to collaborate with like-minded clients and infuse their unique life stories into our design process.
We strive to raise the bar, alongside leaders in our field, to create a better world for future generations and to be proud of the building and design industry to collectively transition to more sustainable practices.
We aim to add quality to the community we design for, no matter how big or small our contribution may be. Our cities and urban areas are products of the amalgamation of a series of small acts and spaces to form the greater fabric we experience and inhabit.
We aim to bring to life the vision of our clients, balancing big ideas while respecting budgets and timelines as important pillars of this multi-tiered process.
Client. Community. Climate.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we at Cooper & Blake Architecture acknowledge the Wathaurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land where we conduct our business today, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.