Combining gestures of discovery and reveal, Evergreen takes inspiration from its many open landscaped spaces that bring an abundance of natural light deep into the home. Robson Rak focuses on a philosophy of openness to reinforce connections outward, while retaining a sense of enclosure as a private retreat.

While most homes look inward to become a place to disconnection from the outside world, Evergreen is embedded with a different introspection, one that enhances a natural connection. Dotted throughout are pockets of openness that allow the home itself to breathe, carefully weaving landscape elements into each space. Providing access to natural light, ventilation and solar gains formed an integral part of the brief, aligning with an overall goal to live closely amongst natural elements. Amongst the meditative qualities of surrounding oneself with nature, the free-flowing movement between inside and out was also important to how the spaces were ultimately occupied. Robson Rak commits to the idea of ‘Heliotropia’ – wellbeing through a deep connection with nature – at the core of the home.

With such an importance placed on the living elements on site, Evergreen was built by Leone Constructions, together with landscape design by Eckersley Garden Architecture, which was then implemented by Form Landscaping. Anchored off one central spine comprised of stone, each of the open courtyards and living areas are placed in sequence, encouraging movement throughout, while overlaying a sense of order and symmetry. Spread over multiple levels, the internal volumes are opened to a series of courtyards throughout that offer a relief from the overall whole. With the courtyard spaces located on ground level, they also become light wells as they stretch upward to three storeys and bring an abundance of natural light deep into the spaces in the process.

Entered from the side, all elements of the home and how its occupants interact with it have been considered. Similar to a Japanese garden, where the entrance concealed from approach, visitors are encouraged to engage with the front landscape before entering the home. Once found, the entrance is modestly presented. The immersion in nature is key to the home and the quality of the spaces that emerge. A warmth is embedded into the material selections and resulting palette, layered with differing textures, while a robust flooring runs between inside and out, adding to the dissolving of thresholds between the two.