Queensland Living, Designed Better

From coastal suburbs to hinterland retreats, homes in Queensland need to balance comfort, ventilation and resilience.

Arkular modular homes are designed specifically for these local conditions, using materials and construction methods selected for long-term performance in humid, subtropical and exposed environments.

Large openings, shaded outdoor spaces and passive design principles help homes stay naturally cooler while reducing energy use. Whether positioned on a sloping site, rural property or compact urban block, modular construction allows for flexible and efficient installation across a wide range of locations.

View our custom complete projects here and our current home designs here.

Biophilic Design & Connection to Nature

Queensland homes naturally lend themselves to biophilic design, creating stronger connections between indoor spaces and the outdoors.

At Arkular we integrate large windows (oriented for passive design perfection), natural materials and open-plan living spaces to improve natural light and cross ventilation while framing surrounding landscapes.

Indoor planting, breezeways and shaded outdoor zones help blur the boundary between inside and out, creating homes that feel calm, grounded and deeply connected to place. The result is a healthier, more liveable home designed around the Queensland lifestyle.

View our Dirranbandi farmhouse located in rural Queensland design and floorplan.

Image: Dirranbandi House

Image: Queensland House by Kieron Gait Architects

Image: Queensland House by Kieron Gait Architects

Passive Cooling & Solar Performance

In a climate defined by sunshine, shading and orientation are essential. We can carefully design to maximise passive cooling, reduce heat gain and improve overall energy efficiency.

Deep overhangs, strategic window placement and ventilation pathways help regulate internal temperatures naturally, reducing reliance on artificial cooling. We can also integrate solar systems into your home design to take advantage of Queensland’s abundant sunshine and lower long-term energy costs.

Image: Fish River House by Incidental Architecture

Image: Waipapa by Strachan Group Architects

Water Efficiency & Sustainable Living

Sustainability plays a key role in how we design at Arkular. With drought conditions and changing weather patterns impacting many parts of Queensland, we incorporate water-wise systems and resilient landscaping solutions.

Aspects we integrate include:

– Rainwater harvesting systems
– Water-efficient fixtures
– Native and drought-tolerant landscaping
– Sustainable building materials

Combined with precision off-site construction and reduced material waste, Arkular homes offer a more environmentally conscious approach to building.

Image: Bush House / Archterra Architects photography by Douglas Mark Black

Image: Marie Short House by Glenn Murcutt

Image: Bonnie Doon House 

Smart Technology & Energy Monitoring

We can also integrate smart technology to improve energy performance and day-to-day living.

Energy monitoring systems allow you to track and optimise power usage, helping reduce both environmental impact and running costs. Smart lighting, climate control and automation systems can also improve comfort and efficiency year-round.

Examples include:

– Real-time energy monitoring for solar, battery, and household use
– Zoned climate control for different areas of the home
– Automated lighting with motion and daylight sensors
– App-based control for heating, lighting, blinds, and security

Image: Dirranbandi House – External Venetian Blind System

A Few Days on Phillip Island

It’s been many years since I last visited Phillip Island (Millowl) so pilot Mohan Chahal refreshes my memory in the most sensational way imaginable. Lifting off from Island Helicopters’ (islandhelicopters.au) base at Newhaven in the island’s east, his Robinson R44 banks north over farm­lands and the shift­ing blue shal­lows of Western Port.

He signals French Island straight ahead (famous for koalas and former resident Kylie Minogue), the Mornington Peninsula across the bay, the fishing village of Rhyll, Phillip Island’s main settlement of Cowes and Summerland Peninsula, home to the world’s largest colony of little pen­guins (and one of Aus­tralia’s top tourist spots).

The 100-sqaure kilometre island, faintly seahorse-shaped and about a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD, is a haven for wildlife. Beyond the Nobbies head­land on its western tip we fly over stone platforms peppered with the basking bodies of some of the 20,0000 or so Australian fur seals who call Seal Rocks home.

At Ventnor, on the opposite side of the island far removed from any holiday crowds, it’s just me, many birds and the nat­ive swamp wallabies that graze in front of my two-bedroom retreat.

Zoarii (zoarii.com) is a sleek designer stay on a hinterland rise above Berrys Beach with direct access to its surf break. The house, clad in charred silver top ash and glass, has bedrooms at either end, al fresco and indoor bathing and a living area floored in European oak and anchored by a hanging fireplace.

There’s a full kitchen with cof­fee machine and bottled cocktails, plus a sauna, cold plunge and gym equipment in an adjacent studio. Every space is positioned perfectly for ocean sunsets.

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

The next morning, I board the new Phil­lip Island Explorer bus (loc­al­way­tours. com.au) in nearby Cowes for a sunny day of sight­see­ing and local intel, thanks to driver/guide Sue Verhay.

She drops me first at Churchill Island (Moo­nah’mia), on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people, where I explore the coastline, admiring its red shingle shores. I contemplate the fact that some 12,000 birds, including bar tailed godwits and eastern curlews, migrate to these globally significant wetlands each spring from as far away as Siberia and Alaska. It certainly puts my own commute here into perspective.

Our minibus also visits the koala park, chocolate factory and go-kart track (a replica of the island’s MotoGP circuit, which attracts 90,000 fans each October for the three-day event).

I hike the stunning Cape Woolamai Walk and drop into Phillip Island Winery (phillipislandwinery.com.au) to sample six of their wines (one of the perks of having a designated driver) as Cape Barren geese guard the vines.

That evening, I dine at Anerie (anerie.com.au), a sophisticated French bistro in Cowes. Inside, beyond the gold-trimmed vitrine windows, there are lamplit tables – round and square, clothed and bare – and walls and window sills decorated with vintage finds, prints and paintings. La Vie en Rose is playing when I enter. Perfect.

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Richard Nixon, Anerie’s affable host, sorts me out with a glass of French white and a menu of unmistakably Gallic offerings, from cheese souffle to steak frites. The confit duck rillettes, made in-house, is a fine opener, followed by miso-glazed beef ribs.

Nixon came to the island 10  years ago to surf over summer then stayed for the winter. “I fell in love with it,” he says. “Winter’s when the community comes out. You’ve got time to slow down. Here, people connect.”

Arriving home after dinner, I find Zoarii framed against a painted sky and platinum sea. I take a snap of the sunset from in front of the house then turn around to see the entire scene reflected in its façade with a full moon rising behind. It’s such a magic sight I forget, for a moment, where on Earth I am.

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House Floorplan

Launch of the RMIT Regenerative Futures Institute

As society faces growing social, environmental and economic challenges, regenerative approaches are becoming increasingly vital.

To help drive this shift, RMIT University is launching the Regenerative Futures Institute, a new interdisciplinary initiative advancing regenerative practice through education, research and collaboration across design, science, technology and First Nations knowledges.

This launch event will introduce the Institute’s vision for interdisciplinary education, research and engagement, featuring a keynote by Leyla Acaroglu.

Learn more about this event here.

Image: RMIT Regenerative Futures

Why Factory Built Is the Future of Design

Forget everything you think you know about prefabricated buildings. The session opens with a visual showcase, no words, just stunning imagery of Australian Smart Building projects.

Bespoke architectural homes. Award-winning commercial buildings. Passivhaus-certified residences with near-zero energy bills. These aren’t compromises. They’re proof that environmental responsibility and design excellence are not in competition.

Join a conversation with three practitioners at the forefront of this shift. Together, they’ll explore how designing for fabrication changes the creative process, what climate resilience actually feels like to live in, and why the buildings we design today are the legacy we leave tomorrow.

Get the latest event information here.

Image: Fish Creek House by Arkular

Image: South Golden Beach House by Arkular

The Great Outdoors: Design for Australian Living and Landscape

The Great Outdoors explores legacy in Australian design through material honesty, local production, environmental care, and connection to place, positioning furniture as enduring artefacts shaped by landscape and craft.

Presented within a living understory, Mark Tuckey’s new outdoor collection places furniture in dialogue with native ecologies, linking each piece to the systems that sustain its materials. Made from reclaimed and ethically sourced timbers, the collection includes the reworked Plinth range and new tables and seating for residential and commercial use.

Discover more about the event here.

Image: Mark Tuckey

Circular Ceramics for Native Bee Habitat

Presented by Slow Clay Centre

Circular Ceramics for Native Bee Habitat is a one-day hands-on workshop led by award-winning ceramic artist Julie Bartholomew, where participants design ceramic bee habitats using recycled studio clay.

The project supports native Australian bees, promotes sustainable ceramic practices, and launches a wider community citizen science initiative.

Learn more about this event here.

Measured Showroom Opening + Wellness in Design Panel Discussion

Measured will host an evening panel discussion on design and wellbeing, bringing together voices from architecture, interiors and landscape to explore how thoughtful design shapes restorative commercial and residential spaces.

Held on Monday 18 May 2026 at 6pm, the event includes refreshments, a prize draw for bathing sessions at Sense of Self, and access to Measured’s new Collingwood showroom during Melbourne Design Week

Find out more about this event.

Image: Meaured

Imagining a Better World: Participatory Design Workshop

Imagining a Better World is a facilitated public workshop exploring how design can support communities to imagine and articulate thriving futures.

The workshop explores the space between present challenges and protopian possibilities, inviting participants to consider how imagination can function as a civic design method rather than as fantasy.

Learn more about this event here.

Tide Table: A Seaweed Supper

What happens when the table itself begins to melt? Tide Table: A Seaweed Supper is a dining experience that explores seaweed as food, material and design medium.

Guests are welcomed with a warm beverage before gathering at tables that, over the course of the evening, become a disappearing shoreline. Melting ice installations form the centrepieces for a three-course supper, accompanied by coastal cocktails.

Nothing is cleared during the meal. The setting gradually transforms as ice melts and traces accumulate. Projection and sound elements shift throughout the evening, supporting the progression of the experience.

Learn more and book tickets here.

Image: Tide Table: A Seaweed Supper

MUJI, Made. Presented by Muji Australia

Presented by MUJI Australia, this exhibition explores how restraint, clarity and material consideration are brought into form. MUJI, Made. reveals how these principles shape the brand’s enduring approach to design, informing objects that are both universal and deeply human.

The exhibition reflects on how simplicity and functionality evolve through reduction and continual refinement, inviting a renewed appreciation for the quiet intelligence embedded in everyday life. It offers a contemplative space to consider creative possibilities without excess, guided only by what is necessary.

Learn more here.

Why External Cladding Matters For Your Modular Home

Unlike traditional builds, modular homes are designed to move, so material selection needs a unique approach. Cladding needs to be:

– Lightweight: easier transport, less structural load
– Stable: won’t warp, crack, or shift over time
– Durable: handles weather, salt, and UV
– Low maintenance: because no one wants constant upkeep
– Compliant: especially in bushfire-prone areas (BAL ratings)

As architects, we are experienced in evaluating your site, landscape, climate, and lifestyle to determine the right cladding solution for your project. Whether you are located in a BAL-rated area, near the coast or anything in between, we design with performance, durability, and longevity in mind.

Metal cladding: Lightweight and Built For The Coast

Metal cladding is a natural fit for modular homes, especially when you’re building near the ocean. Advantages include:

– Super lightweight
– Non-combustible
– Quick to install (great for prefab timelines)
– Handles strong winds and harsh weather

For coastal projects, the key is specification:

– Marine-grade finishes
– Proper fixings (this part matters more than people think)
– Good detailing to avoid corrosion over time

Best suited to contemporary designs, coastal sites, and clean, minimal architectural forms where simplicity, durability, and a refined finish are key. Profiles we love for their clean line aesthetic and long-wearing features includes Colorbond Nailstrip, Colorbond Standing Seam and Colorbond Custom Orb Corrugated.

Image: Agricultural Lakehouse

Image: Manor Red Colorbond – Coopworth House by FMD Architects

Image: Shoreham Banksia House – Colorbond Corrugated Cladding in the shade Monument

Timber Cladding: Natural Warmth, Carefully Considered

We use Australian timbers such as spotted gum, blackbutt, and ironbark for durability and character, and can be left to weather or finished for a more refined look. Charred timber, inspired by Shou Sugi Ban techniques, provides a darker, more sculptural finish with added surface resilience.

Why we love timber cladding:

– Adds warmth and natural texture
– Can weather naturally or be finished
– Charred timber offers a bold, contemporary option
– Best used as an accent or in protected locations

Image: Brunswick House by Solomon Troup Architects

Image: South Golden Beach House

Image: Bonnie Doon House

Image: Fish Creek House > BAL 29 Rating

Image: Shoreham Banksia House > BAL 29 Rating

Designing for Australian Coastal Conditions

Building near the coast changes everything. Salt, wind, and moisture are relentless. Materials that tend to perform best:

– Fibre cement (non-corrosive, stable)
– Aluminium cladding (excellent corrosion resistance)
– Pre-finished steel (with the right coating system)
– Charred timber, or Shou Sugi Ban (the charring process creates a carbonised layer that is resistant to salt air, moisture, UV rays, and fungal decay)

We recommend avoiding untreated timber, as it struggles in exposed conditions and requires constant upkeep, as well as low-grade metals that corrode quickly, especially near the coast, and any materials that rely on ongoing maintenance. Options we recommend include Colorbond Ultra, Weathertex Weathergroove and James Hardie Stria.

Image: Northern Beaches Cliff House

Image: Ventnor House

Image: Shoreham Banksia House – Kōbe Cement Bonded Wood Composite

Fibre Cement: Hardy and Durable

If there’s one material that consistently ticks all the boxes, it’s fibre cement. A quiet achiever of modern Australian homes.

– Non-combustible: suitable for BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) systems
– Resistant to moisture, rot, and pests
– Holds up in coastal environments
– Lightweight + perfect for prefabrication
– Works across panels, weatherboards, and expressed joints

It also gives you flexibility in how the home looks clean and minimal, or more textured and layered. Where it shines: bushfire-prone regions, coastal builds and projects where durability is non-negotiable

Image: James Hardie Stria Cladding 

Image: The Cornwall Retreat by De Rosee SA

Smarter Skins: The Future of Cladding

As construction pushes toward faster builds and lower environmental impact, innovative materials are stepping up to deliver durability, efficiency, and refined design in one cohesive system.

– Hemp-based panels (hempcrete): Lightweight, carbon-storing, and naturally insulating, hemp panels help regulate internal humidity while offering strong resistance to fire, mould, and pests. Ideal for creating a healthy, breathable building envelope.

– Wood-plastic composites (WPC): Combining recycled timber fibres and polymers, WPC cladding delivers the look of wood with enhanced durability, moisture resistance, and minimal maintenance.

– Mycelium-based cladding: An emerging bio-fabricated material grown from fungi, offering a fully biodegradable, low-energy alternative with strong insulation properties.

– Metal and aluminium systems: Sleek, modern, and highly durable, these panels are resistant to weather and corrosion, making them ideal for long-term performance in harsh conditions.

Image: Shoreham House by Bernie Everett Building 

Image: Intelligent Garden and Building (fluted mycelium facade) by Studio Weave & Tom Massey

Image: CLT Passive House by betti&knut architecture

The Mudroom – Small Room, Big Purpose

A mudroom is a small transitional space located at an entry point of the home, often between the outdoors and the interior living areas. Traditionally, it was a practical room where muddy boots, wet coats, and outdoor gear could be removed before entering the house.

Today’s mudrooms have evolved far beyond a simple boot drop zone. Modern mudrooms can include:

– Built-in storage for coats, shoes, and bags
– Seating or benches for removing footwear
– Durable flooring that can handle dirt, water, and heavy use
– Hooks, cubbies, and cabinetry for organization
– Laundry facilities or utility sinks
– Pet washing stations or storage for sports gear

Image: Mudroom Design by Dana Koebbe Interiors

Image: Mudroom – Ark A1 

Image: The Hamptons House by Timmy Wassong Interiors 

Why Include a Mudroom?

At a glance, a mudroom might seem like a luxury, but in reality it’s one of the most practical spaces you can add to a home.

1. Keeps the Rest of the House Clean

Shoes, umbrellas, muddy sports gear, and wet jackets all stop at the door rather than being tracked through living spaces. Durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces make maintenance simple.

2. Creates Everyday Organisation

A well-designed mudroom gives everything a home. Bags, keys, helmets, dog leads, and school gear can all have designated spaces, making daily routines smoother and less chaotic.

3. Improves Flow in the Home

Mudrooms create a logical transition between outdoors and indoors. Instead of entering directly into the kitchen or living area, there’s a moment to pause, store items, and reset before moving further into the home.

4. Supports Busy Lifestyles

Families, pet owners, athletes, and anyone with an active lifestyle benefit from a mudroom. It becomes a command center for daily departures and arrivals.

5. Adds Value to the Home

Increasingly, buyers look for smart storage and functional design. A thoughtfully designed mudroom can significantly improve the perceived practicality and value of a home.

Image: Brunswick House

Image: Boundary Bay House by Project22Design 

Image: The Cornwall Retreat by De Rosee SA

Image: Mudroom Storage Solution

Image: Arthurs Seat Residence by Hecker Guthrie & Davidov Architects

Image: Mudroom by David Charlez Designs 

Image: Flinders House

Image: Hahei House by Studio 2 Architects photography by Simon Devitt

Image: Home for an Artist by Laura Killam Architects

Image: Portsea Beach House

Image: Portsea Beach House

Going Analogue – What Is All the Fuss About?

Analogue living isn’t anti-technology. It’s anti-distraction. It’s about creating spaces where your attention isn’t constantly taken over, where the kitchen isn’t a charging hub and the living room isn’t ruled by a black screen.

As the pace of digital life accelerates, more people are craving balance, and something real. At Arkular, we see a clear shift toward homes that prioritise function while reconnecting with simpler, analogue living. Designing with that focus means creating spaces that cut the noise, reduce distraction, and genuinely support wellbeing.

Less House, More Home

We design homes that prioritise how you feel over how many features you can list: generous dining spaces, deep decks, real storage over surface styling. Every m2 has intent. The result isn’t a house that tries to impress, it’s one that supports daily rituals, quiet moments, and well-being.

As architects, we design rooms that invite presence, not performance, including:

– Open-plan living that prioritises conversation
– Dining tables big enough for meals and entertaining
– Decks that compete successfully with TV
– Retreat spaces that are genuinely quiet

Image: Flinders House 

Image: Hahei House by Studio 2 Architects photography by Simon Devitt

Image: Home for an Artist by Laura Killam Architects

Image: Brunswick Gallery House by Topology Studio photography by Thurston Empson

Image: Sandy Point House

Passive Over Plug-In

At Arkular, we design homes that work with the climate, not against it. Through thoughtful orientation, cross-ventilation, high-performance insulation, and durable materials, we create naturally comfortable spaces that rely less on plug-in systems and more on smart, passive design.

Features we include:

– Passive solar orientation and deep eaves and adjustable external shading
– Operable windows positioned for true cross-ventilation
– Insulated walls, floors and roofing systems
– Ceiling fans and natural airflow strategies
– Breezeways and transitional outdoor rooms
– Covered decks and verandahs for extended living
– Durable, low-maintenance materials that age well

Image: Northern Beaches Cliff House

Image: Nicholls Rivulet Passively Designed Home: 8 star energy rating, 140 mm thick stud walls for high-grade insulation, heat recovery system, air tightness at Passivhaus standard (0.6ach @50Pa) + Aluminium clad UPVc frames with triple glazing.

Image: Retreat in Finca Aguy / MAPA

The Blueprint for Disconnection

Digital overload has reached crisis levels. Studies show the average person touches their phone 2,617 times daily.

In response, forward-thinking architects design “screen-free sanctuaries” spaces engineered to foster non-digital experiences:

– Seattle Central Library’s “silent rooms” (Rem Koolhaas/OMA) use warm timber and diffused light to create focus oases.

– Tokyo’s “No Wi-Fi” cafés feature communal tables and tactile materials (rough stone, unfinished wood) to spark conversation.

– Bosco Verticale (Stefano Boeri) integrates 20,000 plants into façades, using biophilic design to lower stress hormones by 15% (University of Milan data).

– Muji Hut’s 9m² cabins reject smart tech, instead framing views of forests through asymmetrical windows, a practice dubbed “slow viewing.”

– Neuroarchitecture principles guide spaces like The Forestias Bangkok: curved walls lower cortisol, while variable acoustics (fabric panels, cork) reduce digital echo.

* Information sourced from urdesign 

Image: Tea Room Ginza Ebisu

Image: Bosco Verticale byu Stefano Boeri

Designing for Boredom (The Good Kind)

We have forgotten that boredom is useful. Not every room needs a screen. We design homes that feel good at 7am with a coffee and nothing but the sound of Magpies. Sometimes true luxury is simply space, and the freedom to do nothing in it.

– Window seats and quiet nooks for reading or daydreaming
– Flexible multipurpose rooms that evolve with family life
– Living spaces designed for conversation, not screens
– Built-in joinery that reduces clutter and visual noise
– Thoughtful lighting that supports calm mornings and slow evenings
– Natural material palettes that feel warm and grounding
– Spaces intentionally left open for pause

Image: Phoenix House by Harley Graham Architects Photography by Andy Macpherson

Image: South Golden Beach House

Image: + node / UID Architects photography by Hiroshi Ueda

Maximising Indoor/Outdoor Connections

Designing for analogue living means strengthening the connection between indoors and out.

Wide openings, covered decks, and breezeways blur the threshold so daily life can spill naturally into the garden. Views to greenery from kitchens and living spaces ground the home in its setting, while productive gardens, native planting, and shaded courtyards invite slow rituals: watering, harvesting, lingering.

When outdoor spaces are designed as true rooms, the garden becomes part of everyday life, not just something to look at.

Image: Shoreham House by Plume Studio 

Image: Woolaware Garden by FIG Landscapes

What is Multi-generational Living and Why is it Popular?

Multigenerational living refers to households that include multiple generations under one roof, typically grandparents, parents, and children living together. This setup allows for:

– Shared resources and costs, making housing more affordable.
– Supportive relationships, where family members assist one another with childcare and eldercare.
– Cultural continuity, promoting values and traditions across generations.

The popularity of this lifestyle can be attributed to various factors, including rising housing costs, changing family dynamics, and a growing desire for family connections. Many families now prefer to live together to navigate economic challenges and enhance emotional support systems.

Living Together Then and Now

Multi-generational living is not a new phenomenon; it has ancient roots across cultures worldwide. Historically, families often lived together to pool resources, provide mutual support, and maintain social structures.

– Traditional Societies: In many traditional societies, extended families share living spaces to cultivate strong ties and communal responsibilities.

– 20th Century Shift: The mid-20th century saw a shift towards nuclear families, partially fueled by post-war prosperity and mobility. However, economic pressures and evolving social values have led to a resurgence in multi-generational living.

– Recent Trends: Today, the concept is revived with smart designs suited for diverse age groups, adapting to contemporary needs while honoring historical practices.

Image: Bowral Multigenerational House by Arkular

Benefits of Multi-generational Home Design

Designing a multi-generational home offers unique advantages, both practical, cost and emotional:

– Cost-effectiveness: Shared utility bills result in significant savings.

– Enhanced support systems: Families can provide care for each other, for children or aging relatives.

– Privacy and independence: Thoughtful designs include private spaces for each generation, ensuring independence within the communal living environment.

– Environmental benefits: Reduced energy consumption per person and smaller carbon footprints contribute positively to the environment.

Image: Multigenerational House Design

Image: Shibui Multigenerational House by Red Architecture 

Multigenerational Living, Designed Right

As architects, we focus on creating adaptable and functional living spaces that cater to the diverse needs of multi-generational families.

Flexible layouts: We incorporate configurable spaces that can evolve with the family dynamic, allowing for rooms to be repurposed as needs change.
Accessibility features: We can integrate accessibility principles, integrating features like no-step entries, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms to accommodate all ages and abilities.
Private zones: Each unit is designed with private living areas, such as separate suites or in-law apartments, fostering independence while maintaining connection.
Common areas: We emphasise communal spaces, such as family rooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, promoting togetherness and interaction among residents.
Sustainability: We use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, enhancing the overall sustainability of the home.
Pod Solutions: Pods are a smart solution for multigenerational living, balancing togetherness and independence, without compromising on style or function.

Image: Shoreham Multi-generational Beach House 

Image: Cambridge Multi-generational House 

Image: In Progress – Cambridge Multi-generational House 

A Creative Force Behind Zoarii

The creative force behind Zoarii is multi-brand entrepreneur Matt Newman, a man with a passion for design. “I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some incredible hotels and Airbnb’s over the years, ” he says.

“When it came to building this home, I knew I wanted it to feel like a luxury hotel, but one that’s truly connected to its surroundings.” Collaborating closely with Arkular architects, he rejected the traditional layout of aligning bedrooms at one end of the building and instead designed a home that prioritises privacy and balance.

The master suite, ensuite and stunning outdoor bath are set on one side of the central living space, while two bedrooms and a bathroom sit on the other. “It’s perfect for two couples, ” he says.

“You can come together in the middle, then retreat to your own private haven. ” At the heart of the home is a striking sculptural fireplace, handmade by a French artisan and suspended from the ceiling. “I wanted something that felt like art – a central piece that would spark conversation, ” he explains. “Because it’s suspended, it doesn’t block the view – it actually invites you to look beyond. ” And that view is unforgettable.

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

The name Zoarii is layered with meaning. Zoarii means sanctuary or place of refuge, while I (in roman numerals) represents a second home.

“Phillip Island has always been my second home. I holidayed here as a kid – my parents had a house at Silver leaves. I opened my first clothing store here 15 years ago. It’s always drawn me back. ” Zoarii is designed for deep rest and quiet inspiration.

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Beyond the minimalist interiors and high-end finishes, guests can immerse themselves in the wellness facilities: a personal gym, a sauna, an ice plunge bath and a dedicated yoga deck that faces the ocean.

One bedroom even features an outdoor bath with ocean views. “You walk straight from the sauna to the yoga deck and are embraced by the ocean breeze – it’s a full sensory reset,” he says. “I’ve had painters and writers stay here: it’s that kind of place. A creative, luxury retreat. It’s a place of rest – definitely not a party house.”

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Zoarii also offers seamless indoor-outdoor living, with sliding doors that open on both the north and south sides, inviting in light, air and nature.

“On a good day, you can open everything up and feel like you’re completely outside, ” he says. Sustainability was a key priority in the build. The home is close to off grid and was carefully designed to be environmentally sensitive to the landscape. “Land like this, backing directly onto coastal reserve, is incredibly rare, ” he notes. “When I found it, just before Covid, I knew I had to build something special here.”

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House photography by Charlotte Jane 

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House Floorplan

Located along the iconic Pyramid Rock walking trail, with views stretching toward Tasmania, Zoarii offers an unprecedented sense of space and stillness.

“We’ve even had marriage proposals here, ” he says, smiling. “There’s a lookout over Seal Rocks that I send people to. It’s magic. ” From its handmade fireplace to its panoramic views and wellness focus, Zoarii is a home that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature, with creativity and with yourself.

Image: Zoarii Ventnor House aerial photography by Matt Newman 

Architecture: Purposeful Design

Architecture for Purpose: As society evolves, purposeful design becomes crucial. In 2026, expect homes tailored for multi-generational living and aging in place, accessible for all. With universal design principles, these spaces will remain functional and adaptable to meet families’ changing needs. See our Cambridge Multigenerational House here. 

Modular: Modular architecture will continue to rise, allowing for a streamlined and more sustainable building processes. This approach will enable homes and commercial spaces to adapt easily to changing needs while minimising waste. View our completed modular homes here and in progress projects to get inspired.

Open and Flexible Layouts: The demand for open and flexible layouts will drive architecture in 2026. Spaces will be designed to facilitate movement and multipurpose usage, promoting a sense of community and fluid living. View our range of crafted set designs and floorplans here that maximise flexible living. 

Image: Fish Creek House

Image: Bruny Island House

Image: Ark T2 Modular Floorplan 

Image: Sauna and Magnesium Pool

Image: Sauna by Out of The Valley

Image: Plunge Pool – Landscape Design by FIG Landscapes

Image: Home Gym Design by Sportova

Image: Nicholls Rivulet Passively Designed Home: 8 star energy rating, 140 mm thick stud walls for high-grade insulation, heat recovery system, air tightness at Passivhaus standard (0.6ach @50Pa) + Aluminium clad UPVc frames with triple glazing.

Image: Peconic House by Mapos Studio 

Image: Fish Creek House

Image: Interior Design by Raca Studio

Image: Pinterest Colour Palette 2026

Garden and Landscaping

Elevated Outdoors

More Garden in 2026! Living spaces will be re-imagined to deepen our connection to nature, placing the garden at the heart of the home. Outdoor living areas will be enhanced with multi-functional designs, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.

“We used to just shove a bit of landscape around a building,” says Adam Haddow, a director at SJB Sydney and the national president of the Australian Institute of Architects. “Now it’s making a garden that happens to have a house in it.”

By incorporating edible gardens, biodiversity, and sensory plants, homes will promote not only aesthetic beauty but also mental well-being and sustainability.

Image: Nantucket Home by Michael Ellison & Workshop/APD Photography by Nicole Franzen

Image: Native Retreat by Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design 

Image: Walk Street House by ras-a studio Photography by Joel Fletcher

Image: Figtree Hemp House by Balanced Earth Architects

Image: Cardboard-Confined Rammed Earth by RMIT

Image: Mycelium Bricks The Hy-Fi Pavilion in New York © Cecil Barnes V

1. Villa S by Andersson & Stare Architects

A minimalist statement in Sweden’s wild landscape. Perched on a rocky peak overlooking Sweden’s Orust fjord, the home integrates into the land with an intentional presence.

The architects divided the interior programming of Villa S across the two volumes, organising life around a clear distinction between social and private spaces. Upon entry, visitors are drawn into the social areas, where a direct line of sight leads through the house and out toward the fjord.

View this inspiring home here.

Image: Villa S by Andersson & Stare photography © James Silverman 

Image: Villa S by Andersson & Stare photography © James Silverman 

Image: Villa S by Andersson & Stare photography © James Silverman 

Image: Kent House by Brent Buck Architects

Image: Kent House by Brent Buck Architects

Image: Kent House by Brent Buck Architects

Image: Walk Street House by ras-a studio Photography by Joel Fletcher

Image: Walk Street House by ras-a studio Photography by Joel Fletcher