Eliza House – WALA Studio

Located in the coveted neighbourhood of Black Rock, just 400 metres from the picturesque Beach Road and within walking distance of the Sandringham Beach Foreshore Reserve lies the visually striking Eliza House. For a young family eager to lay roots in this Bayside community, the goal was clear to WALA Studio: to create a ‘forever home’ that blends comfort, functionality and style. The original dwelling on the site was a typical post-war double-fronted brick-veneered house, characterised by low ceilings and a cramped horseshoe layout. Without any heritage of significance, the logical approach was a knock-down/rebuild, allowing the design team to start fresh while honouring the positive aspects of the original structure.

A conscious decision was made to retain and edit parts of the existing fabric (ground level exterior walls) was inspired by the original horse-shoe shaped building layout that prioritised an east-facing courtyard which enjoyed lovely morning light

Inspired by the original east-facing courtyard that enjoyed beautiful morning light, the design team chose to retain and edit parts of the existing fabric, particularly the ground-level exterior walls along the western and northern faces. This thoughtful retention nods to the past while embracing a contemporary vision. A new front entry now aligns with the true spine of the house, leading into a generous hallway that seamlessly transitions into an open-plan living space. Full-height glazed sliders, designed with zero-thresholds, create a fluid indoor-outdoor connection, offering a 180-degree view of the meticulously curated garden.

High-quality, long-lasting materials define Eliza House’s sophisticated palette. The exterior features a blend of black timber battens, white-painted recycled bricks and velvety grey cement render, creating a timeless and understated look that harmonises with the leafy neighbourhood. Inside, the public spaces are light and open, while private rooms adopt a moodier, more intimate atmosphere with darker tones and strategic lighting.

Warm wood-veneered joinery and strategic ambient lighting extends throughout the house to create a consistent material and visual language

Warm wood-veneered joinery and strategic ambient lighting extends throughout the house to create a consistent material and visual language

Despite its relatively modest footprint compared to neighbouring homes, Eliza House feels expansive due to high ceilings, clever window placement and efficient spatial planning. The north-facing backyard allows the rear living spaces to bask in natural light and seamlessly integrate with outdoor recreational facilities like the pool, sauna and a BBQ platform.

Warm wood-veneered joinery and strategic ambient lighting extends throughout the house to create a consistent material and visual language

The home’s design prioritises both comfort and sustainability. Custom cedar screening on the upper-level façades ensures privacy for the family and neighbours alike. The interior features consistent timber joinery, creating a cohesive visual language throughout. A cement-rendered feature wall in the dining space mirrors the exterior’s finish, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship. Eliza House is a sanctuary designed to grow with its family. The blend of thoughtful design, high-quality materials and efficient spatial planning  by Wala Studio ensures that this home will remain a cherished space for years to come, perfectly suited to the present and future needs of its residents.

The home has been designed with privacy of neighbours in mind with custom cedar screening to both the front and rear upper-level facades

Technical sheet

Site area: 506 m2
Gross floor area: 329 m2
Project Architect: Weian Lim
Design Team: WALA Studio
Builder: MJC Builders
Structural Engineer: Measure Engineering
Building Surveyor: Red Textas Consulting Building Surveyors
Energy Consultant: Eastern Energy Raters

Photography by Dave Kulesza

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