Our clients approached us with a clear vision, beginning with the compact Banksia floor plan from YourHome’s Design for Place series and adapting it for a rural lifestyle. Relocating from inner-city Perth, the couple had thoroughly researched the benefits of passive solar design and were committed to achieving at least a 9-star NatHERS energy rating on a modest budget.
Refining the existing Banksia layout allowed us to streamline the design process, focus early on detailed decision-making and respond to the key requirements – including distinct work-from-home zones, flexible guest accommodation, and universal access – to maximise the opportunities of their north-facing site.
Sustainability, resilience, and affordability remained guiding priorities, shaping material choices, the construction methodology, and necessary compromises throughout the project.
Rowe West is a light-filled, compact home that achieves a 9.2-star NatHERS rating. Located on the outskirts of a small rural town, the house sits midway along a gently sloping block with valley views across farmland to the north and remnant native forest upslope to the south.
Its simple, robust form – a contemporary nod to the classic gabled shed – is clad in dark custom orb metal and fibre cement sheeting. The building follows the contours of the land and is coupled with the ground, supported by terraced outdoor areas like a southern service zone, productive gardens, and entertaining spaces.
A patterned concrete block blade wall runs east-west, creating a clear sense of arrival at the home’s entrance while forming a threshold between the adjoining carport. Inside, the use of concrete block blade walls continues, dividing and anchoring key spaces – the main bedroom, central living area, and guest bedrooms – visually extending from interior to exterior, yet thermally broken to maintain performance.
Custom timber joinery, including a library wall with a rolling ladder, complements the clients’ collection of mid-century furniture, creating a cohesive palette of warm, and tactile materials. Strategic framed views from the kitchen, study and ensuite reinforce the connection to the surrounding bushland.
Though modest in scale, the home performs with ambition. All shared living and sleeping areas are positioned to the north for winter solar gain, while deep eaves provide shade in summer. Burnished concrete floors and internal block walls offer thermal mass, complemented by high-performance glazing, insulation, and cross-ventilation, all supporting year-round comfort without relying on mechanical heating or cooling.
Sustainability and resilience underpin the design philosophy of Rowe West. From the outset, the built form was optimised for long-term energy efficiency through orientation, thermal mass, and high-performance insulation and glazing. As a fully electric home, its energy needs are met by an 11.44 kW rooftop solar array with battery storage and a Fronius hybrid inverter, while a smart EV charger signals readiness for a low-emissions future.
Material choices prioritised both performance and environmental impact, including Paperock benchtops, uPVC double-glazed windows, and reclaimed jarrah decking. Collaboration between the clients and builder was central to achieving sustainable outcomes using products and construction techniques familiar to local trades.
Water-efficient fixtures, a greywater recycling system, and a rainwater harvesting tank are essential in this location without mains water. An Istore heat pump hot water system and Haier heat pump dryer make efficient use of on-site energy generation, while ceiling fans and a Cheminees Philippe fireplace provide climate control.
The owners’ plans for a greenhouse, orchard, and chickens highlight their longer-term commitment to resilience and self-sufficiency, allowing Rowe West to evolve alongside their lifestyle.