Whipbird House by Zerni in Australia

Whipbird House by Zerni

The Whipbird, located in the foothills of Nusa, is an impressive house designed in a brutalist style with a T-shaped pavilion structure that harmoniously blends into its surroundings. The house includes five bedrooms, two porches, landscaped terraces, a 20-meter Naked Mineral pool, a Supergrasse tennis court built into the natural slope of the land, a spa bath and an abundance of gardens with 16,735 native trees and plants. The choice of high-quality materials and finishes is evident throughout the house, highlighting texture, patterns, color and geometry. Black cladding made of tongue-and-groove boards, handcrafted brickwork in the style of Roman Luten, granite, large black windows and Italian travertine in navy blue create a bold, tactile and rugged aesthetic. Rustic granite from Granite Works is used for baths, sinks, tiles, pavers and pool decking. European French oak and Swiss appliances from VZUG complete the luxurious design.

Situated on the ridge, possibly the most scenic spot in the foothills of Nusa, the Whipbird House looks magnificent. In brutalist style but simple in form with a T-shaped pavilion, Whipbird is a home that deeply poetically responds to its environment, creating intimate and meaningful relationships between inhabitants and the unique nature.

Located in the heart of Dunnan, possibly the best hidden spot on the Sunshine Coast, Whipbird fully utilizes panoramic views into the interior regions and coastline, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and relaxation. The five-bedroom house consists of two separate wings divided into two levels, with landscaped terraces leading to infrastructure including the 20-meter Naked Mineral pool, Supergrasse tennis court built into the natural slope of the land, a spa bath, a three-car garage and a six-space parking area with cascading gardens adding layers and depth to the views. A total of 16,735 native trees, plants and ground coverings were planted on the site to enhance its architecture while preserving and improving the natural characteristics of the land and connection with its surroundings.

Working together to share a unique passion for quality materials and finishes, Zerni enlisted the help of a talented team of designers, suppliers and staff to bring Whipbird to life. This team includes the 2022 HIA Australian Home of the Year winner, Jin Neglaine from Minnow Studio, global interior designers Space Furniture, landscape architects The Conlon Group, Swiss appliances V-ZUG, Italian travertine manufacturer Artedomus, handcrafted stone producers Granite Works, wood specialists Made by Storey and Natural Brick Company, among others.

Upon first visiting the site, developer Jayden Zerni from Zerni was enchanted by the natural beauty, tranquility and spectacular views of the interior regions of Nusa and coastline. "The air felt clean, whipbirds sang, every sense was warmed by the most soothing and natural way. The vision became clear: to create a secluded and private sanctuary from the open spaces of the interior regions, where natural beauty is accentuated and luxurious living reaches its peak. I am confident that Whipbird represents a new level of craftsmanship not yet seen on the Sunshine Coast," said Zerni.

The house has a strong tectonic character due to the expression of materials. The entire first floor is wrapped in black cladding made from tongue-and-groove Abodo wood, transitioning into a thin grey handmade brickwork from Natural Brick Company, light granite and large black windows that frame the picturesque view.

The house palette is rough, robust and enduring, emphasizing the tactile experience of materials with regard to texture, pattern, color and geometry. Materials are chosen so that the house harmonizes with the landscape: dark walls disappear into the forest background, while light walls blend into the horizon of the sky. Navy blue travertine from one quarry in Italy and supplied by Artedomus is widely used in the kitchen and living areas. A total of 87.9 tonnes of "rustic" granite from Granite Works were shaped into freely standing handcrafted baths, sinks, tiles, pavers and pool decking. Floors and walls are adorned with European French oak from Made by Storey, while the kitchen and dining area feature state-of-the-art Swiss appliances from VZUG, including CookTop Wok, CookTop Teppanyaki and several wine coolers.

-Zerni