Kanooka House | Knight Office New

Kanooka House

New residence

Kanooka House is a calm, considered home for a young family of four in a small coastal town. Referencing the familiar materials of the neighbourhood—fibro, apricot brick, and a shallow roofline—the design balances openness with privacy, inviting connection with the street while offering sanctuary within.

A central garden and spine-like layout maximise light, breezes, and connection across a compact suburban site. North-facing living areas open to a sun-drenched lawn, creating a flexible, indoor-outdoor heart of the home.

Upstairs, a more enclosed retreat houses the main bedroom and a flexible space for guests, work or play. Framed views to nearby melaleuca trees maintain a strong connection to nature, while careful window placement ensures privacy without compromise.

Passive design principles underpin the home’s performance—northern orientation, cross-ventilation, solar power and native landscaping all contribute to a low-impact, highly liveable environment.

“Our new home beautifully captures what family living is all about, with an open and functional layout that truly enhances our daily life. The seamless flow between spaces allows our two little ones to explore and play freely while we can keep an eye on them from the kitchen and living spaces. We love how the design accommodates both family time and entertaining, giving us plenty of room for toys and gatherings. Plus, the easy connection between indoor and outdoor areas creates a welcoming vibe for hosting friends and family. It's a space that really supports our lifestyle and brings us all together.”
– Homeowner

This project was conducted in collaboration with Dan Wilson.

Builder: Berecon

Landscape design: TOCO

Photography: Yaseera Moosa

Modern Australian home with brick and white cladding in soft afternoon light

Lush Australian bush with ferns and peeling paperbark trees.

Pathway of stone pavers to brick entry gate with native garden planting.

Open courtyard with brick paving, green lawn, and indoor-outdoor living connection.

Interior view of timber dining setting framed by shadowed garden entry and soft natural light.

Modern brick carport with light metal awning and landscaped gravel driveway.

Mid-century style dining room with natural light, timber table, and warm orange tones.

Interior with tan leather bench, shadowed garden nook, and filtered natural light.

Layered interior view through wall opening showing garden, brick walls, and green lounge chair.

Minimal interior with timber stairs, cream cabinetry and natural stone island bench in soft sunlight.

Contemporary kitchen with creamy stone island, integrated cabinetry, and warm natural tones.

Framed garden view with native plants seen through full-height glass doors.

Warm terracotta tiled bathroom with built-in sink and wall-mounted tapware.

Tiled bathroom window looking into bedroom with timber bed and soft curtain backdrop.

Floor plans for modern architectural home

Brick courtyard with olive green chairs and indoor garden view through full-height glass.

Modern courtyard with brick walls, white pool fencing, and green lawn backed by native trees.

Minimal kitchen with natural stone benchtop and view through to garden-framed hallway.

Minimal hallway with warm timber flooring and natural light through end window.

Minimalist white home facade against soft sky backdrop.

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