figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia

figr architecture studio uses a minimalist material palette to create this home in the melbourne suburb of alphington.

stephen landy edited by tim spears February 13, 2023 3 min

ha ha haus camouflaged by figr architecture studio in melbourne

Ha Ha Haus is nestled into a verdant landscape in the suburb of Alphington, near Melbourne, Australia. Figr Architecture Studio nestles the Ha Ha Haus into a luscious landscape in the suburb of Alphington, near Melbourne, Australia. The sprawling single-story home blends seamlessly into its sloping surroundings, as a charred timber-cladded exterior undulates over and around to shelter the intimate interiors.

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 1 — ha ha haus’ minimalist material palette uses three main finishes

all images courtesy of Tom Blachford

A LOOSE DESIGN BRIEF BIRTHS AN UNCOnVENTIONAL HOME

Figr is an Australian architecture studio, founded by Adi Atic and Michael Artemenko, that specializes in residential and office developments. The firm uses a conversational approach with clients, aimed at fostering a strong connection between the design and inhabitants. For Ha Ha Haus, the studio was given a flexible brief by the homeowners: a close-knit family home suitable for frequent visitors and inter-generational living.

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 2 — charred timber complements the white brick which it sits on

LANDSCAPING AND LOCAL MATERIALS BLEND House WITH SURROUNDINGS

The exterior of Ha Ha Haus is dominated by charred timber cladding. The shell wraps over the home to blend it into the undulating surroundings. When viewed from the footpath, there is a large mound covered in foliage that provides privacy to much of the low lying house while also concealing a rainwater harvesting tank. Figr’s design takes advantage of the large catchment area of the roof, storing water for irrigation and bathroom use.

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 3 — more organic timber is used on the internal floors and walls adding a feeling of warmth

The darkened cladding complements the white brick it sits on. It dramatically contrasts with the lighter wood used for the internal floors and walls. The interiors organic materiality evoke a feeling of warmth and intimacy for the family. A donut-shaped floor plan envelopes the central courtyard, creating ideal conditions for cross ventilation and maximizing north-facing windows.

ha-ha-haus-figr-fullsize-04 — full range of material pallette combines internally

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 4 — furniture design matches the homes aesthetic

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 5 — perforated white brick detail is visible through the bathroom window

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 6 — large openings promote indoor-outdoor living

ha-ha-haus-figr-fullsize-05 — large mound covered in foliage that provides privacy to much of the low lying house

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 7 — donut-shaped floor plan that envelopes a central courtyard

ha-ha-haus-figr-fullsize-02 — exterior is dominated by locally sourced charred timber cladding

figr architecture studio’s charred timber shell shelters home in australia - 8 — locally sourced materials help blend the home into surroundings

project info:

name: Ha Ha Haus
architecture: Figr
location: Alphington, Australia

photography: Tom Blachford

builder: Byde Constructions

engineer: Meyer Consulting Engineers
landscape architect: MUD
building surveyor: Michel Group

styling: Ruth Welsby

furniture: Didier