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Stonehawke Modern House by Base Architecture

By Eric Meunier

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The Stonehawke house is a contemporary house (3,100 sq ft) located in Brisbane, Autralia.

Designed by architect Shawn Godwin and interior designer wife Natalie of Base Architecture in 2009, this multi award winning residence emerges from the earth like fallen lumber, bunkered in a parcel of heavily wooded, protected land.

Stonehawke House holds a strong, robust form of its own, with heroic volumes that protrude out from the surrounding bushland.

Yet what Shawn and Natalie Godwin have designed is not just any other building for their practice, they have created their own family home!

The Stonehawke House project by Base Architecture:

“Recently developed there are 29 lots in total, each benefiting from a sensitive approach to the surrounds. From natural overland flow and storm water control to Flora and Fauna friendly fencing this enclave of lots invite the inhabitants in.

Of the 29 lots, 5 (including Lot 16), have many constraints and covenants attached aimed at protecting the micro climate of that particular site.

Lot 16 is wedged into the side of a hill and nestled into a large parcel of heavily wooded environmentally protected land. This charred box protrudes horizontally like fallen lumber. Solidly grounded into the site, the body of the house wraps itself around an ‘out of ground off form concrete pool’ that also reflects the charred timber in its internal finish.

Having such organic and raw materials in the natural surrounds of sandstone rock work and various species of native tall trees it was important to reflect this in the form and materiality of the houses’ appearance. With this language the cladding and structure has been represented accordingly with rough sawn stained plywood, galvanized steel and combinations of horizontal and vertical sections mimicking the tree forms.


From this point it was critical to both soften and refine the palette to the interior detailing whilst being mindful of the importance of the cohesion and notion of interior to exterior. Once formally inside the occupants are transferred both visually and physically between this notion as the house opens up with counter balanced glazing systems and sliding external glass walls.

With an abundance of native timbers surrounding the house it was an easy decision to utilise this warmth internally in the form of Australian spotted gum. The timber was used for flooring, joinery and windows/doors.

As an occupant of the house a central entry off the car space leads to the first level entry point (where visitors would be greeted), and voided space that leads either off to the parents retreat or further ascending to the centre of the main body of the house. Although from the street it appears to be a 3 storey house, 90 percent of the program happens on the top level that also happens to be level with natural ground due to the slope of the site.

A minimal interruption into the natural lay of the land has created a secluded and protected flat grassed area for the sole purpose of kids play and exploration up the natural stone walls and into the intrigue of the bush setting to the rear.”


Photos by: Christopher Frederick Jones
Source: Specifier

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About Eric Meunier

Currently the Owner and Chief Executive of HODYO Design, Eric Meunier's expertise in the design industry spreads over 20 years. He was the driving force behind HomeDSGN's early success, founding this website in 2011. Today, he loves to channel his passion for design into remodeling houses and transforming interior spaces with his keen eye for detail and architectural finesse. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

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