Modern single-story house with large glass windows, minimalist decor, and plants in the front yard. Interior features neutral tones, a red accent wall, and contemporary furnishings.
Alberio SOfa by De La Spada, a side table from Time & Style, a San Daybed from Skupa and a Varnii 005 Lounge Chair by Max Lamb populate the living room.

October 2, 2026

Words: Elana Castle

Photography: courtesy of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

A Coastal Home In Australia Built Into The Canopy

Perched high above Australia’s Bronte Gully, this family home by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects turns a steep and challenging site into its greatest asset. Facing north into the gully, the elevated house looks directly into the tree canopy, creating an unexpected sense of seclusion within its dense coastal neighborhood.

The site dictated an ‘upside-down’ arrangement, with bedrooms and garage occupying the lower levels and the primary living spaces above, where they capture northern light and connect directly with the rear garden. Here, kitchen, dining, and living spaces open to a generous covered terrace, while a second, quieter living room offers an alternative place to retreat.

The brief called for a comfortable, light-filled family home that could also accommodate owner Aaron Crother’s sculptural practice. Unusually, Aaron also took on the role of builder, managing the construction himself and working closely with the architects throughout.

Modern living room with a concrete fireplace, minimalist furniture, large windows, abstract red art, and a coffee table with books and flowers. Natural light fills the space.
A number of vintage furniture pieces include Le Bamboozle sofa by B&B Italia and Eros Nesting Table by Angelo Mangiarotti. Custom kitchen joinery in Polytec Coastal Oak.

This hands-on approach informed an architecture stripped of unnecessary layers. “The approach was centred around removing anything superfluous,” says architect Madeleine Blanchfield. Raw concrete slabs become finished floors and ceilings, while Krause bricks perform double duty as both structure and finished internal and external surfaces.

Rather than feeling austere, the resulting interiors are tactile and warm. Brickwork has been ‘schmeared’ to soften its appearance while retaining its inherent texture, with timber joinery tempering the robustness of concrete and masonry. Delicate Akari lights provide an airy counterpoint, while a dramatic Patagonia marble island brings richness to the kitchen without disrupting the restrained tonal palette.

The client’s studio sits alongside the garage, embedding creative practice into the rhythms of everyday family life. That creative exchange extends to the smallest details: Aaron sculpted a series of bespoke bricks, fired by Krause and incorporated into the house numbers.

“The result is an authentic home where the raw bones of the architecture remain visible,” says Blanchfield. It is also a home inseparable from its setting, shaped by the changing light, landscape and tree canopy of the gully beyond.

Walk Through The Home

  • Modern kitchen and dining area with light wood cabinetry, marble island, black faucet, minimalist light fixture, black chairs, and a decorative bowl on the table.
    An O Branch Pendant V light from Redux, a ceramic vase and bowls by Aaron Crothers and curve pulls by Lo & Co animates the kitchen.
  • Modern kitchen with a marble island, two wooden stools, built-in sink, wall art, and a lamp on a light brick wall under a horizontal window.
    A pink Patagonia island is offset against the Krause Bricks. Hinterland Stool by Daniel Boddam.
  • Wooden staircase with a simple handrail, beige brick walls, geometric hanging sculpture, and decorative objects on the floor in a modern interior.
    Noguchi Akari 35N Ceiling pendant sits within the void of the custom oak stair. The brass handrail and balustrade, both by All Metal projects.
  • Modern bathroom with beige stone countertop, dual sinks, black faucets, light wood cabinetry, large mirrors, and a single pink flower in a vase. Cream brick walls and minimalist decor.
    Astrawalker Icon series tapware, Lorde Dolomite honed stone and custom cabinets with bronze trim set the tone in the primary bathroom.
  • Modern single-story house with large glass windows, minimalist decor, and plants in the front yard. Interior features neutral tones, a red accent wall, and contemporary furnishings.
    Alberio Sofa by De La Spada, a side table from Time & Style, a San Daybed from Skupa and a Varnii 005 Lounge Chair by Max Lamb populate the living room.
  • Modern beige brick residence with a metal gate and horizontal slats, surrounded by greenery and stonework, seen from the sidewalk.
    Bronte’ Krause bricks and Accoya timber battens define the front facade. “Cone Wall Light” from Henry Wilson.

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