Sunhill Home by Nala Design
Interior designer Nala Ryan of Nala Design and her builder husband Joel, of Orbis Constructions join forces to create a tranquil, light-filled contemporary home.
Words: Georgie Ward | Photography: Dylan James
‘Joel and Nala Ryan had already designed, built and developed four previous homes together, before embarking on the build of their own home,’ says Nala Ryan. Photo: Dylan James
The hidden-away butler’s pantry continues the minimalist colour palette with contrasts of native green. Photo: Dylan James
‘The home was built during lockdown, and completed just in time to welcome our second daughter,’ says Nala Ryan. Photo: Dylan James
The Sunhill Home project was formed by design duo and married couple, Nala and Joel Ryan, owners of Nala Design and Orbis Constructions.
The idea for the project came about almost a decade ago, when Nala and Joel traveled to Indonesia, riding through the subtropical streets of Java and Bali, which introduced them to architectural themes of tropical minimalism. Large spans of organic raw concrete surfaces and untreated timber battens surrounded by lush green landscapes inspired them to create their own sanctuary back home in Melbourne.
The relationship between the Sunhill Home and its surrounding environment is encouraged, creating a true sanctuary-like space within its inner-suburban plantation style streetscape.
An essential architectural consideration for the couple was ensuring that every window maintained a view of the landscape, which then defined the layout and composition of the interior spaces. Weaving soft tones and subtle textures through a choice of robust materials created a sense of calm and refinement in-and-out of the home.
Entering the home, you are taken on an adventure, through a winding cobbled pathway, up onto floating handmade brick steps, to the oversized American Oak front door that grounds the home, acting as a small interlude prior to the continuing adventure ahead.
The entryway combines natural light from the frameless skylight, the imperfect texture of the cement render against the curved American Oak wall that sits adjacent. ‘This is a grand space that gives you a big warm hug as you enter the home,’ says Nala. Within the walls of the family home, stands the impressive open living area that showcases the curved kitchen and sculptural staircase that became the hero of the space.
The choice of rendered concrete walls of the home allow it to act as a canvas for its surrounding landscape. The use of American Oak timber is used sparingly throughout the home in the door frames and staircase, forming a harmony between the rigid vast surfaces that were chosen for their more tactile natural aesthetic.
Elba marble, dark terrazzo and mosaic tiles are also seen sprinkled throughout the spaces, where their muted tones draw out the warmth of the natural timbers. A space we would have trouble leaving!
‘With the property being surrounded by trees, our vision was to look outwards for inspiration,’ says Nala Ryan. Photo: Dylan James
Timber batten surfaces are seen repeated throughout the home. Photo: Dylan James
‘The staircase landing is made from a Krause handmade brick, which is repeated on the landing at the front door of the property,’ says Nala Ryan. Photo: Dylan James
“With every home, I always work towards creating intuitive and efficient spaces, allowing for individuality through an exploration of scale, composition and materiality.”
The bedroom spaces utilise a darker, more moody colour palette. Photo: Dylan James
The cobble stone path, pond and overgrowth of plants create a zen atmosphere and calming sanctuary environment. Photo: Dylan James
As you enter the home you are met with an impressive curved sweeping feature wall. Photo: Dylan James
Flowing floor-to-ceiling curtains help diffuse natural light and instill privacy. Photo: Dylan James
‘There is a feeling of a true sanctuary within its inner-suburban Melbourne streetscape,’ says Nala Ryan. Photo: Dylan James
Photo: Dylan James
‘The home showcases the craftsmanship of the carpentry team at Orbis Constructions,’ says Nala Ryan. Photo: Dylan James