Memory Menagerie

Classified as a coastal hazard zone by the local council, any new dwelling on the estuary must comply with strict development restrictions: it must be able to be dismantled and removed in the event of extreme weather conditions. These strict guidelines ensure structures harmonise with the landscape’s inherent unpredictability, directing influencing the size and weight of any new build.

For the team behind what was to become the Belongil Sanctuary, these restrictions could have felt like creative constraints. Instead, the strict parameters became a framework for inspiration – culminating in the unique de-construction of a typical residence into discreet, removable modules that can fit on the back of an 18-wheel semi-trailer in the event of extreme weather.  

Further nuance is afforded to both site and brief via the delicate rainforest covered by shady, orange-fruited Tuckeroo trees that all needed to be retained. Home to many species of sub-tropical flora and fauna, the site demanded a sustainable approach that included the ongoing consideration of the impact of new development – calling for methods that left the natural environment better then when it was found.  

Though a great deal of inspiration was borne of the site’s unique needs, there was also much to be found within the clients’ brief. Aspirations were for the large family home to be completely off the energy grid and progressively adapt to the young family’s educational needs over time – a living schoolhouse diffused amongst nature.   

Belongil Sanctuary was built incrementally across seven years. Cloistered in a clearing with views of the coastline, the main home is a series of 8 battened spotted gum modular pavilions linked by timber decks. Naturally cool and richly toned by the darker wood, each sunlit pavilion is covered by a large, vegetated roof with significant solar panels. These roofs supply fresh vegetables, host beehives, and are occasionally growth managed by a family of pigmy goats. Nestled between rainforest trees facing the beach, another two modules wait to accommodate guests.    

As with all things built over a tangible period of time, evolution was inevitable. As the sanctuary’s concept advanced, additional modules of varying formats and materiality were designed in response – an organic approach choregraphed by needs that developed as naturally as the forest itself.  

Connected by the kind of a rambling boardwalk often used in National Parks to protect on-ground vegetation, these smaller pavilions offer education, wellness, and culinary experiences for the family. Bluestone dodecahedron onsens, geodesic sleeping domes, a burnt timber sauna, pottery and art pavilion, copper-clad library tree house, outdoor gym, naturally filtered pool and deck, smokehouse, sound studio, animal enclosure, eagles nest pole, aviary and a mirror-clad surfboard and canoe storage block have been added over time.

United by their unique alchemy of living and learning rather than format or materiality, the combined additions create a menagerie of adventures for children and adults alike. Together, the pavilions offer a diversity of experiences that allow intense focus on key aspects of mental and physical wellbeing – providing a variety of experiences that cannot help but foster a love of the environment.   

The balance of variety and cohesiveness achieved at Belongil Sanctuary is the product of numerous specialists: artists, suppliers, gardeners, stylists, collectors and – most importantly – the client. A representation of its owners, the home is a carefully curated series of memories layered in the family’s unique art collection and eclectic furniture to create an encyclopedia of memories; much of which is as equally powerful as the architecture.