Harris House
The Brief & Vision
The home occupies a favourable location with sweeping views of Mount Roland and the surrounding foothills, with all-day sun. The design philosophy centres on understanding the 'why' behind a home to ensure it truly reflects its owners. For the Harris family, the 'why' was about connection — to the landscape, to each other, and to the rhythms of rural Tasmanian life.
They wanted a home that would frame the extraordinary views without being dominated by them, a place where the mountain became a constant companion rather than a distraction. The brief called for generous family spaces, a strong connection to the outdoors, and materials that would age gracefully alongside the landscape.
Site & Construction
The construction was fun and we all loved seeing the design take shape. We started the site excavation just as the rain started and had the challenge of constructing the footings and slab through one of the wettest Tasmanian winters I can remember. But adversity breeds innovation, and the wet conditions forced us to develop construction sequences and site management strategies that ultimately delivered a better result.
The home is oriented to capture the full panorama of Mount Roland while maintaining privacy from the road. The living spaces occupy the prime northern position, with floor-to-ceiling glazing that transforms the mountain view into a living artwork. The design uses the natural fall of the land to create a subtle split-level arrangement, adding spatial interest and allowing each zone of the home to feel distinct while remaining connected.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The material palette responds directly to the site. Earthy tones and natural textures connect the home to the surrounding farmland, while clean, contemporary detailing ensures the architecture reads as modern and intentional. External cladding combines durability with visual warmth, selected to weather gracefully and develop character over time.
Internally, the quality of construction is evident in every detail. Kitchen joinery is clean-lined and functional, with generous bench space and quality appliances. Bathrooms feature full-height tiling and carefully selected fixtures. The polished concrete floors provide thermal mass, absorbing the generous winter sun and releasing warmth slowly through the evening. Throughout the home, the joinery demonstrates the precision that defines Davies construction — shadow lines are consistent, doors align perfectly, and transitions between materials are resolved with care.
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