CREATIVE OVERVIEW : FIG TREE HOUSE BYRON BAY

Fig Tree House is situated on 2 acres in Ewingsdale, just outside of Byron Bay.  The unusual triangular shaped block features an impressive 30 metre high Port Jackson Fig plus a forested wetland reserve along the northern boundary.   In approaching the design, the primary focus was to capitalise on these features to create a home with maximum privacy and views towards the trees.  

The brief called for a modern home to accommodate a family of 5 with maximum indoor-outdoor connection, large entertaining spaces, pool, separate wing for guests/rumpus and a self-contained studio for rental.  The natural fall of the land from the street enabled a two-story design with privacy on the lower living/entertaining level achieved through landscaping.  Large entertaining decks extend from the north-facing side of the house with the land sloping away again to accommodate the infinity pool.  The upper story, comprising of 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, seems to “float” above the living and entertaining spaces which open completely on two sides.  The single-level wing containing the guest/rumpus room, car port and self-contained studio is placed on the eastern side and angled away from the house to maximise privacy.

Dark cladding was chosen to allow the home to “disappear” into its surrounds, while the internal oak floors and soft billowing curtains promote warmth and softness.  The slab-on-ground together with cross-ventilation achieved via full height doors and windows ensures internal temperature stability all year round.  Together with the numerous solar panels and rainwater tanks, the environmental properties of the build are substantial.

The resulting home is one that sits lightly on the land, appearing at first modest and understated from the street but upon entering feels both spacious and secluded, immersing the occupants in nature.

Project credits:

Architecture: Ed Davis & Dylan Robinson // Builder: Seabreeze Homes // Photography: Annie Buck