Set on a startlingly beautiful elevation on this sprawling Breakneck Gorge property, not far outside the tourist hotspot of Hepburn Springs (Australia), Oikos Retreat was designed as an indulgent retreat from the city.
Evoking the red centre of this great southern land, it’s a sculptural creation that both complements and disappears into the rugged, precipices on which it perches. Inside, smartly designed spaces are, from every angle, framed by stunning picture windows peeking out onto gum trees. From the sleek soaking bath to the cowhide daybed, every aspect of Oikos is conceived as a peaceful surrender.
Clients with an extensive art collection sought to convert a storefront from the early 1900’s into a dynamic live/work space called Madrona Live Work. Creating the modern equivalent of the traditional courtyard house, the new design is centered on a large skylight over the living and dining rooms. Reminiscent of a shipping container, a wood-clad service core houses the kitchen and powder room. A flexible and multi-functional space is facilitated by large pocket doors, steel plate blinders that hide the kitchen and concealed equipment that pivots out for use.
