Nature's Gifts

Opting for eco-smart design was a no-brainer for the owners of this tranquil home in WA’s Margaret River region.

- Anna Flanders

The Margaret River region in south-west WA is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Hamish, Cate and their children George, 14, twins Ruby and Claudia, 12, and seven-year-old Daisy, are celebrating five years in the region this year, the last two in this custom-designed and built home.

“We’ve lived in England, Japan and Singapore, but Hamish grew up on an 800ha property in NSW,” says Cate. “He was yearning for some land and I wanted to live near the ocean. We also wanted to provide our children with a childhood surrounded by nature, open spaces, tree climbing and the freedom to explore.”

Location settled, they set about planning a home for their 3ha block – plenty of room for the children to roam. Hamish and Cate had their hearts set on a straw-bale design. They loved the aesthetic but, more importantly, straw’s acoustic and thermal efficiency.

The couple found building designer Paul Lane through a friend of a friend and knew immediately that they wanted him onboard. “We had compatible design sensibilities and appreciated his local knowledge of the landscape and weather,” says Hamish. The trio met regularly over the ensuing months to work up a design for a straw-bale house that was in harmony with the landscape, captured the best views and balanced open-plan living with more intimate areas. All imbued with a Japanese-influenced aesthetic.