Zulaikha Laurence Tree Change House: A Sustainable Rural Retreat by Studio ZAWA

Nestled beneath the serene slopes of Woodhill Mountain on the NSW South Coast, the Zulaikha Laurence Tree Change House is a transformative vision of rural living by Studio ZAWA. Designed for Brian Zulaikha and Janet Laurence, this 315 m² residence reimagines a modest, vernacular home into a harmonious retreat that blends seamlessly with its native garden, vibrant wildlife, and the unique coastal climate. Completed in 2024, the project emphasizes sustainability, climate-responsive design, and a profound connection to nature.

A Sensitive Dialogue Between House and Garden

The property, surrounded by an established native garden, was purchased by the owners with a singular goal — to live deeply connected to nature. Studio ZAWA responded with a design that dissolves the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. A new linking verandah transforms the traditional Euro-Australian rural home concept, placing the verandah at the architectural and social core. Shaded and open-air, it encourages natural ventilation, with a Blackbutt timber ceiling directing cooling breezes throughout the home. Granite paving flows seamlessly from the garden into the interior, fostering a continuous interaction between the built environment and the landscape.

Reinterpreting Vernacular Architecture

Rather than demolishing the original home, which consisted of three pavilions joined by verandahs, Studio ZAWA embraced adaptive reuse. This approach respects the site's history while enhancing its functionality and environmental performance. The design repositions the verandah as a central living space rather than a transitional element, celebrating traditional forms while introducing modern sustainability strategies.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability is subtly integrated throughout the project. The house employs passive solar design, deep eaves, cross-ventilation, thermal mass, rainwater harvesting, and a solar array, enabling fully electric living. Additional features, such as native planting and EV charging infrastructure, ensure the home treads lightly on its environment. Materials were carefully selected for durability, local sourcing, and minimal ecological impact, while existing structures were retained and adapted to reduce embodied energy.

Craftsmanship and the Sydney School Ethos

The construction reflects the ethos of the Sydney School, prioritizing site-responsive design, tactile materials, and refined detailing. Openings are strategically framed to capture sunlight, shifting shadows, and panoramic views of the escarpment. The verandah roof pitch balances summer shading with winter sunlight and sightlines, creating a living environment that evolves with seasonal change.

A Home That Nurtures Life

The result is a dwelling that transforms daily living into an immersive experience of nature. Muddy shoes, wandering wildlife, and seasonal shifts are all welcomed within the home. For Janet and Brian, the Tree Change House has become a sanctuary — a space of calm, sustainability, and emotional resonance. Every design choice, from timber beams to stone paving, emphasizes comfort, environmental responsibility, and a profound connection to the surrounding landscape.

All photographs are works of Clinton Weaver