Jan Juc Acre House by Heartly & Project Now: A Contextual Interior Renovation Rooted in Family, Landscape, and Legacy

Located in the coastal town of Jan Juc, Australia, the Jan Juc Acre House is a thoughtful renovation and interior transformation of an original 1980s residence. Collaboratively designed by Project Now (architecture) and Heartly (interior design), the project embraces the existing structure while elevating it with warm, practical materials, contemporary spatial planning, and a deep sensitivity to site, family dynamics, and the surrounding environment.

Celebrating the Original Architecture

From the outset, the client prioritized the retention of the original home—a decision that shaped both the architectural and interior design narratives. Instead of erasing the past, Heartly and Project Now worked to celebrate original timber ceiling beams, north-facing clerestory windows, and open views of the native Australian landscape and pool. These retained features serve as anchor points in the reimagined home, bridging past and present in both material and atmosphere.

Natural Materials and Earthy Tones

The material palette is a direct response to the coastal and bushland setting. Locally resonant, earthy tones and textures dominate the interiors. Limestone flooring, used consistently indoors and outdoors, enhances the fluidity between house and landscape while offering durability—perfect for the sandy, coastal environment. Materials from renowned manufacturers such as Artedomus, Brecciolino, INAX, and Ebon Veneer were selected for their quality and tactility.

Paints and finishes by Dulux, Haymes Paint, and Costen/no contribute to the serene, grounded ambiance, while refined joinery and custom details reflect the layered needs of a vibrant family life.

Context-Responsive Interior Design

What sets Jan Juc Acre House apart is its context-sensitive design approach. Rather than imposing contemporary design trends, the interiors respond directly to site conditions, the original home's character, and the family’s personality. The home feels both curated and deeply lived-in—its spaces designed for functionality, intimacy, and long-term adaptation.

The open-plan kitchen and dining areas are designed around shared moments and daily rituals. Natural light filters through clerestory windows, illuminating timber accents and warm finishes. Views out to the garden courtyard and pool invite a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle essential to Australian living.

An Intimate Collaboration with Craft and Community

The project’s execution reflects close collaboration among all contributors. TruForm Constructions brought the vision to life with precision and craftsmanship. Design integrity was maintained from concept to completion, ensuring that every intervention respected the original bones of the house while enabling a refreshingly modern sensibility.

The Jan Juc Acre House ultimately embodies a quiet sophistication—an architectural story of renewal, heritage, and contemporary living nestled in a natural coastal setting.

All Photographs are works of Martina Gemmola