An architect’s own home and the journey of designing and building it himself is often an opportunity to test ideas, challenge conventions and create a personal response to place. For Lachlan McArdle, director of Lande Architects, Hawksburn House represents exactly that – a carefully considered family residence in Melbourne’s South Yarra that reflects years of design thinking, collaboration and refinement.
Situated on a distinctive triangular site within a quiet cul-de-sac, the project presented a unique set of opportunities and constraints. Surrounded by single-fronted terraces and an eclectic mix of old and new architecture, the home needed to establish its own identity while remaining sensitive to its neighbours. Rather than creating a dominant street presence, the design embraces restraint. Existing birch trees were retained and the building form staggered to soften its relationship with the streetscape.
Throughout the design process, the intention was to create a residence that was simple and restrained without becoming minimal. Materiality plays a significant role in achieving this balance. Working closely with Artedomus from the earliest stages, McArdle selected materials that bring warmth, durability and character to family life. Terracotta tiles crafted using traditional methods in Tuscany introduce texture and richness, while natural stone and handcrafted finishes add depth throughout the home.
The spatial arrangement reflects a considered approach to contemporary family living. Upon entry, a double-height void creates a sense of arrival, while a sequence of connected spaces unfolds beyond. Private areas including the primary suite and study occupy the front of the home, while the rear opens into a generous kitchen, dining and living area connected directly to a north-facing outdoor space. Above, a secondary living area and children’s bedrooms enjoy elevated views through the surrounding trees.
What makes Hawksburn House particularly compelling is the way architecture and interiors have been conceived as a single, integrated experience. As an architect designing for his own family, McArdle was able to explore ideas with an unusual level of personal investment. An architect’s own home and the journey of designing and building it himself inevitably involves a different decision-making process, one shaped by lived experience as much as professional expertise.
The result is a residence that demonstrates the value of patience, collaboration and thoughtful design. An architect’s own home and the journey of designing and building it himself can often reveal the principles that sit at the core of a practice, and Hawksburn House does exactly that.
More than simply a family home, Hawksburn House serves as a testament to considered residential design. An architect’s own home and the journey of designing and building it himself becomes not only a personal story but a reflection of how architecture can enrich everyday life.
Ultimately, an architect’s own home and the journey of designing and building it himself offers a rare insight into the ideas that shape meaningful architecture. Hawksburn House stands as a thoughtful expression of those principles, balancing family life, material richness and a strong connection to its South Yarra setting.
0:00 – Introduction To An Architect’s Own Home and the Journey of Designing and Building It Himself
1:05 – Designing On A Triangular Inner-City Melbourne Site
2:20 – Walkthrough Of Hawksburn House
4:10 – Materiality, Craft, And Architectural Detailing
6:08 – Reflections On The Design Journey
For more from The Local Project:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thelocalproject/
Website – https://thelocalproject.com.au/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-local-project-publication/
Print Publication – https://thelocalproject.com.au/publication/
Hardcover Book – https://thelocalproject.com.au/book/
The Local Project Marketplace – https://thelocalproject.com.au/marketplace/
For more from The Local Production:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thelocalproduction_/
Website – https://thelocalproduction.com.au/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelocalproduction/
To subscribe to The Local Project’s tri-annual print publication see here – https://thelocalproject.com.au/subscribe/
Photography by Anson Smart.
Architecture and interior design by Lande Architects.
Build by Fencon.
Landscape design by Myles Baldwin Design.
Stone, tiles, flooring and hardware by Artedomus.
Art by Greg Wood, Ash Keating and Studio Gallery.
Filmed and edited by The Local Production.
Production by The Local Production.
Location: South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land in Australia. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#ArchitectsOwnHome #Melbourne #HouseTour
