The Spotted Gum Tree House by Merrylees Architecture explores uniquley Australian design considerations to create a home built around an iconic tree.

Spotted Gum Tree House was designed around the enormous spotted gum occupying the back yard of the property. The tree can be seen from the surrounding neighbourhood and connects the site to the Bayside botanical gardens located nearby so was deemed an important feature to retain and protect.

The proposal was designed around the gum’s substantial structural root zone, which proved to be challenging for Jane Merrylees and her team due to the location of the tree and other site constraints. Glimpses of the gum can be seen through thoughtfully placed windows and skylights throughout the house, maximising the visual feature that it is. The house wraps around the tree to create a protected, private and shaded outdoor setting directly off the kitchen and living space.

The lounge area is the social fulcrum of the home and features an elegantly obscured black fireplace that contrasts beautifully with the timber & white colour palate. Beautifully finished floors connect indoor and outdoor living as an abundance of natural lights serves to brighten the feel of the entire space.

Spotted Gum Tree House was designed by Merrylees Architecture around the enormous spotted gum occupying the back yard of the property.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area is furnished with a modish elba marble countertop and ‘2 pac’ paint-finished kitchen cabinetry. Merrylees Architecture utilised a combination ofsoft colours and dark shades to blend the interior. Engineered timber floors cover the whole floor space extending throughout the entire room.

Beautifully finished floors connect indoor and outdoor living as an abundance of natural lights serves to brighten the feel of the entire space.

The powder room features black taps and a delicate colour scheme combination of light and soft blue tones, with terrazzo-finish textured walls. The lighting hangs directly above the round mirror which aims to efficiently reflect and distribute light around the bathroom.

The house wraps around the tree to create a protected, private and shaded outdoor setting directly off the kitchen and living space.

Ultimately the Spotted Gum Tree House by Merrylees Architecture responsibly blends built and natural beauty to create a vibrant modern residential space in the affluent Melbourne suburb of Brighton.