Collections

Urban homes come with a lot of constraints. Tight sites, neighboring houses, heritage controls and planning regulations affect how urban homes are designed. Obviously constraints breed innovation because architectural...

New homes provide the opportunity for a completely custom design. Even on a modest budget, architects can design an affordable new home that’s perfectly suited to your needs.

Passive solar design helps to keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter - not with expensive machinery, but by harnessing the power of the sun and natural ventilation.

Renovations and additions to existing houses are the most common architecturally-designed homes. The challenge with renovations is to incorporate the style and layout of the existing building with the modern needs of...

Apartments are homes in the sky. Perfect for dense inner-city living, well-designed apartment buildings can create intensity and activity in cities and provide desirable living conditions for residents. Some apartment...

Affordable housing is becoming an increasing issue. On Lunchbox Architect, one of our priorities is to feature homes that are affordable for their demographic. Obviously the whole concept of 'affordable' is subjective...

We love small houses at Lunchbox Architect. Because size does matter, but not in the way you might think… Small houses challenge the architect to create a home that defies its size. Multifunctional spaces, built-in s...

Who doesn’t love to escape to the beach? Whether they’re for holidays or full-time living, architecturally designed beach houses have a laid-back, beachy quality that’s hard not to love. Instead of getting sand in you...

Bach (pronounced like the start of 'bachelor' is New Zealand for beach-side cabin. Increasingly, Bach's are leading the way for low-fuss beach-side cabin style.

Country houses often enjoy stunning views and plenty of land. If your dream is to escape to the country, then you’ll love how these architecturally designed country homes have an easy-going, rustic feel.

We're all familiar with *The* White House, but white houses are also a popular and stylish choice. Check out these white houses to decide it white is right for you...

Check out some of the Timber Houses projects featured on Lunchbox Architect

Who doesn't want to curl up in front of a flickering fire when it's dark and cloudy out? Fireplaces are sure to give any home a touch of luxury and coziness. Lunchbox Architect has compiled a number of projects with i...

And they say black is slimming? It works for houses too. Black helps to disguise all those lumps and bumps (gutters, posts and architraves) to give your home a sleek silhouette. Like a sexy black dress, these black ho...

Dealing with heritage issues in the design of a new home or renovation can be challenging, but equally the results can be inspiring. The best heritage projects don't simply copy the styles of yesteryear (this isn't a...

Open plan living has been the dream for many families compartmentalised into tiny rooms away from all the action. But to get open plan living right isn't as easy as knocking down all the walls. To avoid being left wit...

The best spaces often aren't indoors at all. Very often, the architecture of a home is enhanced by the outdoor spaces that surround it. The relationship between indoors and outdoors is particularly important. We see h...

Woah. Sustainable Houses is a broad statement and a word which is so often overused. All of the houses we feature on Lunchbox Architect incorporate some aspects of sustainability — a water tank, a shiny array of solar...

In such a dry country drone to crippling droughts, water collection is one of the most important aspects of sustainable housing. The bonus is, it's not hard to collect rainwater for reuse in bathroom, laundry and even...

Courtyards can be used to gain light, encourage cooling breezes and maintain privacy. The courtyard-style home is one we're seeing a lot more of, of late — and it all comes down to how versatile the courtyard can be....

Black Kitchens are now a thing. In a big way. Black Kitchens are a popular alternative to the more pedestrian white. They are sure to make a sophisticated statement in your home and with the right materials and finish...

Joinery can be expensive to build, but the payoffs are huge. Whether it's designed to hide everything away, or to put your favourite items on show, clever joinery can make the most of even the smallest spaces. And the...

Plywood kitchens have become very popular - I even designed one for my Mum and Dad. Plywood kitchens feel rich, warm and authentic.

Check out some of the Semi Detached Houses projects featured on Lunchbox Architect

We all saw the devastating effect bushfires can have on communities as we watched people lose their homes and, tragically, their lives during the Black Saturday Bushfires. With those shocking images still in our minds...

Bricks are one of the oldest building materials. And the fact that so many of the first brick structures are around today is a testament to their longevity and timeless style. Bricks are versatile, durable and afforda...

Learn how to disconnect from the grid and live a more sustainable (and affordable) life by becoming completely self-sufficent.

Have you heard of glamping? Glamping combines glamour and camping. It's for people who like to explore naturally beautiful landscapes without the hassle of pitching a tent and fending off six and eight-legged fiends....

Prefab Homes (sometimes called Modular Homes) are gaining popularity. Prefab Homes save time, money and resources, so they're a great option!

If you've used the Internet recently (and I *know* you have), you will have seen articles like "7 Shipping Container Homes that will Blow Your Freaking Mind" or "You'll Never Guess What's Inside This Shipping Containe...

You probably have an idea of what a farmhouse looks like. But increasingly, architects are experimenting with the traditional farmhouse and creating beautiful modern farmhouses. They still have the laid-back, rustic a...

Rammed Earth is a building technique which uses compressed earth. It has a number of great benefits, but can be labour intensive.

Plywood is hot right now. It's affordable, versatile and has a wonderful natural warmth. That's right. Our old friend plywood is no longer relegated to the temporary hoarding around building sites or the makeshift des...

Reverse brick veneer is a way to utilise the thermal properties of bricks to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

There's no better place to curl up with a cuppa and a book than your very own window seat. It's the perfect place to sit and unwind.

Black Tapware is the latest trend in kitchen and bathroom design and is sure to bring a touch of contemporary class to your project.

Bamboo is a beautiful, natural, versatile material that is highly sustainable because it grows so quickly.

Concrete floors offer a hard-wearing (virtually indestructible) surface and can also help to moderate temperature inside the home. The range and variety of concrete floors available is mind-boggling. You can expose th...

Louvre windows aren't what they used to be. These days they seal well and look great. Plus they maximise natural ventilation.

Nothing beats the warmth and natural beauty of timber floors, right? There are so many styles and finishes of timber floors available, you're bound to find the right timber floor for you. It's especially exciting wi...

Timber decks can provide a practical outdoor space no matter the state of the yard. Get all the timber deck inspiration you need...

Charles and Ray Eames were renowned architects who also designed a series of classic chairs. Their chairs are prized for their mid-century modern style.

One of the ultimate luxuries, a private swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off, relax and host pool parties.

Kitchen Cabinets define the look and feel of your kitchen whether they're timber, black, white or somewhere in between...

White is a safe and elegant choice for the kitchen. Take a look at all the white kitchens we've featured on Lunchbox Architect...

Pendant lighting is a bright choice to define an area within an open-plan space. Perfect above the dining table or a statement piece.

Bathrooms are one of the more expensive rooms to build or renovate. Be sure to get the inspiration you need to get it right!

Skylights are a brilliant way to bring natural light into the home - especially when you're in a built up area with no sweeping vistas.

Sliding glass doors blur the boundary between inside and outside. When open sliding glass doors create an indoor/outdoor connection.

Sliding doors are a great way to divide spaces without taking up too much space - perfect for smaller rooms and a modern look.

Folding or Bi-fold doors are a great way to really open up a space to the outdoors. Folding doors are versatile and modern.

Pocket doors, internal sliders or cavity sliding doors are a convenient and space efficient style of door. Pocket doors are especially useful in bathrooms or walk in robes where space is at a premium.

Showers are the place to perform your morning ablutions. From uber simple to breathtaking, the best showers have a view or a skylight.

Knoll Hardoy Butterfly (BFK) chairs, also known as Hardoy Chair, Butterfly Chair, Safari Chair, Sling Chair, or Wing Chair are a designer chair seen in many homes.

Curtains range from the minimal and sheer to the theatric and plush. Curtains are great for dividing and softening space as well as keeping the warmth in.

The ultimate in space saving ideas, bunk beds are perfect for holiday houses and small space living. Kids love climbing into bunk beds.

Staircases come in all shapes and sizes, but the best examples of staircases are features of the home in and of themselves.

The classic Arco lamp elegantly hangs over a space to create an intimate zone within a larger space. With a solid marble base and slender steel, the Arco lamp is a classic suitable for any style of modern home.

Window shutters are traditionally a great way to let in air while providing some protection from the sun and added security. Modern window shutters are popping up all over the place.

Bringing an honest, robust and sometimes industrial look, exposed rafters make a statement on the ceiling and can create an intimate sense of space.

Living in a tropical climate means open-air spaces designed to maximise breezes keeping the interior of tropical homes cool and airy.

Fibre cement is an affordable and hard-wearing material. Gone are the days of limiting fibre cement to sheds and holiday shacks. Fibre cement has gone glam.

When the weather is good, there is nothing better than a dedicated outdoor dining area to relax in. Perfect for large gatherings, outdoor dining spaces are a popular and wise part of contemporary living.

Timber kitchens feel warm and welcoming in any home. Timber in the kitchen makes this area feel less stark and can be a statement.

As our inner city areas change from their industrial past to hip places to live, warehouse conversions are a popular and charismatic option.

Bedrooms. You'll spend one third of your life there, so it's important to make sure your bedroom is relaxing and calming. Get the inspiration you need for your bedroom from Lunchbox Architect.

The heart of modern homes is the kitchen. While it's an expensive area to build or renovate, getting the kitchen right will make your home.

Enjoy your meal! Dining areas are where you come to enjoy delicious meals with your family and friends. Lunchbox Architect has plenty of inspiration for your dining area.

An economical and effective way to cool your home, ceiling fans are really a must. The light breeze from a ceiling fan will help you stay cool without additional air-conditioning.

Subway tiles are a popular and often colourful choice of tiles in either the bathroom or kitchen. Channel your inner NYC hipster with some classy subway tiles.

Basins are an essential in any bathroom, but there are so many basins to choose from it can be hard to settle. Here are some great basins for your inspiration.

Toilet suites come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to choose a style that matches the look and feel of your bathroom.

Light wells bring light deep into even the darkest spaces. Light wells are perfect for compact inner-city living.

Define a certain area of your home with a statement rug. Rugs come in all shapes, sizes, colours and textures, so you're sure to find one to suit your unique style.

Planters for inside or outside let you bring greenery and nature to the home. Planters can help you express your style thanks to the sheer range available.

Native gardens attract birds to your home and are often drought tolerant - perfect for our harsh climate. Embrace native gardens!

Everyone needs a beautiful but comfortable lounge suite to relax in. Lounge suites make or break the living area, so make sure you get it right.

Recessed lighting, like down lights can be a good way to provide even light over a space. Use a combination of recessed lighting and other styles to differentiate spaces.

Few people think to make a statement overhead, but when you do - especially with timber ceilings - the results can be stunning.

Polycarbonate is a semi-translucent material commonly used for alfresco roofs and even walls in some adventurous homes.

Solar Hot Water Heating is one of the most efficient ways to harness the sun's power in the home. It saves serious money and is a well-developed technology.

A loft or mezzanine space is a unique way to divide space. Lofts work really well in studio apartments or for warehouse conversions.

Wine snobs, rejoice! Wine cellars built in wine racks are becoming more and more common, so a bottle of full-bodied Shiraz is always within reach.

Steel windows are a minimal and industrial option. Steel windows are expensive, but give a designer finish to your project.

Rusting Steel, commonly known by its proprietary name, CorTen or weathering steel is a corrosion resistant steel that develops a distinctive rust-coloured patina.

Keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, thermal mass, like water, concrete and brick, (when used in conjunction with passive solar design) is a secret weapon against thermal discomfort (and expensive...

Clerestory Windows are windows above eye level. Clerestory windows are perfect for letting sun and light in and creating a sense of space.

Fibreglass is a strong, hardwearing material that is becoming common in houses, often because it can be translucent, letting in light but blocking overlooking.

Steep sites present challenges and opportunities in equal measure. The way you tackle a steep site dictates the style and functionality of your home.

Steel cladding is a modern, streamline (and often affordable) alternative to bricks or timber. Steel cladding also comes in a range of colours.

Perforated steel is a popular material because it is hard-wearing but can still let light in. Perforated steel's use on homes is growing.

Find a range of house plans for your inspiration. From one bedroom houses to larger family homes, you're sure to find the house plans you need here.

With the flexibility of the internet, home offices are becoming more important. Get ideas for your home office here on Lunchbox Architect.

Desks come in all shapes and sizes, from the custom built-in desks to freestanding desks. Check out some desk ideas here on Lunchbox Architect.

Relaxing in a hot, bubbly bath is bliss in our hectic modern lives. Of course all baths are not created equal. Check out some ideas...

Furniture makes your house a home. And your furniture should say something about your personality. Take a look at all the options from modern to rustic and everywhere in between.

Create a more intimate sense of space with the right lamps. Lamps are perfect for reading or creating the right atmosphere.

Concrete can be many things, massive, sculptural, raw. It's a beautiful material to use for houses and can bring great thermal mass and raw beauty to a home.

Living areas are the more casual zones of the home where you enjoy time with friends and family and take time to relax. Maximise the comfort of your living areas with ideas and inspiration from Lunchbox Architect.

Relax into a beautiful, comfortable armchair. The perfect place to grab a book and enjoy some alone time, choosing the right armchair is a must.

Coffee tables create an anchor for your living area as well as a great place to put your favourite coffee table books! Get some coffee table inspiration now.

The Noguchi Coffee Table was first produced in the mid-20th century. It's a classic guaranteed to look great in any home.

Don't be scared! Inject a bit of fun and vitality into your live by choosing bold colours in your home. Bold colour can make your home feel more unique and interesting. Don't just follow the crowd - be bold, express y...

Wall art can liven up any house and inject some much needed personality. Wall art has been turning houses into homes for years.

Quickly update your bedroom with a new doona (quilt) cover. From uplifting bright colours and patterns to the classic elegance of white doona covers, you'll find your inspiration here.

Lunch with an Architect is our interview series where we site down to lunch (virtual or otherwise) with our favourite architects.

The tools of the trade you'll need if you're planning your new home or renovation.

What's the time, Mr Wolf? Add personality with a practical twist to your home with a stylish statement wall clock. Mr Wolf says it's time for a new wall clock...

Fill your home with beautiful objects that you love. Your decor is an expression of your personality, when it comes to decorating, don't be boring.

Warm and comfortable underfoot, carpet can make a living area or bedroom feel more cozy and welcoming. You can also be bold with carpet colours.

No how many Kindles or iPads try to compete, nothing can beat the feeling of holding a real book. Get some bookshelf inspiration for your dream library.

For bathrooms, kitchens or anywhere, really, tiles can add a splash of colour, pattern and texture to liven up any space. Get plenty of tile ideas from this collection.

From the outback to the city, COLORBOND® steel has become a defining element in Australian architecture. For some it’s the colours, for others it’s the ability to achieve technical performance in design that cannot be...

Monument® is unashamedly a city colour. It will emphasise the modernity of today’s architecture. It is a strong, confident, neutral colour adding depth and strength to the colour palette.

Inspired by the purple-grey hues of distant mountains, stormy skies and the natural beauty of our coastal regions, Ironstone® has captured a new mood for COLORBOND® steel colours.

Deep Ocean® is a conservative yet appealing colour that mimics the richness and depth of the ocean, and the vast blue haze of a distant mountain range.

Surfmist® embodies qualities of freshness, purity timelessness and independency. Snow, the mist from the sea and surf, pure white sand, and the billowing sails of yachts all remind us of this colour.

Windspray® is mid-strength, neutral grey with a blue undertone that brings to mind a gentle breeze, soft shadows and the misty sea on a cloudy day.

Shale Grey™ is evocative of Gulf coast mud plains, pale grey pebbles reflecting the sun, the ethereal grey mist rising from a surf beach, the silver grey leaves of native flora and the shimmering outcrops of rocks on...

Woodland Grey® is inspired by the depth of cool green forest, the canopy of eucalyptus on a rugged mountain plateau, the twisted bark and deep olive green leaves of teatree along the coast, the mossy boulders and fern...

Neutral, sophisticated and strong, Night Sky® is ideal for emphasising strong lines and sharp reliefs on both contemporary and traditional homes. As a defining tone, it’s the perfect contrast to paler building materia...

Dune® is a warm, pale grey that invokes feelings of balance and neutrality. It is associated with the dusty earth of the Australian bushland, the soft pelt of native marsupials, and the textured landscapes of granite...

Influenced by Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics, Coco is individually turned by local artisans, then checked, assembled and packaged in our studio. Like a beautiful, heavy yo-yo at the end of its string, Coco hangs...

Hydronic heating is an affordable and efficient way to centrally heat a home. The even better part is it's radiant heat - the most comfortable way to heat too!

The exterior of the home is the first thing you see. Increase your street appeal with this collection of inspiring home exteriors.

The Caesarstone® brand is the leading brand of quartz surfaces in Australia.

As Caesarstone's interpretation of natural Calacatta marble, Calacatta Nuvo™ brings you wide, elegant, cascading, grey veins on a white base.

A classic black base with light veins.

Cheminees Philippe Australia is 100% Australian owned and managed by Wignells of Melbourne. Wignell’s are the exclusive representative and direct importer of the products of Europe’s leading manufacturer of cast iron...

Laminate can be used to make hard-wearing and heat-resistant cupboards and bench-tops in a range of colours.

Zinc is a hardwearing cladding or roofing material which gets better with age. Available in a range of muted, natural colours.

Pikralida Green encaustic cement tiles

Teranova Tiles is a Sydney-based tile importer.

Get inspiration for your kitchen benchtops by taking a look at some of the examples we've featured.

The Radiante 846 2V double sided fire gives warmth and soul to any room. It is one of the most popular designs in the Radiante collection offering superb views from both sides of the firebox.

Get your splashback inspiration from the projects we've featured on Lunchbox Architect.

COLORBOND® Coolmax® steel is designed to reduce the solar heat gain, leading to reduced cooling costs and a reduction in the urban heat island effect.

A roof made from COLORBOND® Coolmax® steel in Whitehaven® could help reduce the annual cooling energy costs of your building.

The roof of your house has to put up with a lot - sun, rain, wind, snow - your roofing cops it all. Get the right roof for your home.

Shadowclad® plywood panels provide a beautiful, natural wood exterior cladding to any project whether used alone or accented with other building materials.

A warm, earthy and natural mid grey, Wallaby® has a softness that allows it to be paired with a variety of both traditional and contemporary building materials ranging from glass and steel to timber and stone.

A powerful, modern grey with a neutral cast, Basalt® deliberately lacks the green tones that would soften its impact when used in ultra-modern designs. Exuding the strength and solidity of the rock after which it is n...

Step into a world of quality, vibrancy and distinction, with tretford® natural cord fiber commercial carpets.

A quiet place in the home to work, kick back with a book or simply to retreat to. A study is the perfect place to include in a family home.

MAXI Plywood Melbourne is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Premium Plywood and Specialty Timber Panel products.

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, but should be designed and placed to make the most of views and natural light while still maintaining privacy and allowing for natural ventilation.

Designed by Ragnheiður Ösp Sigurðardóttir Knot Pillow has become an instant classic.

Is your laundry a room you try to hide from strangers? Or is it a neat European style laundry tucked into a cupboard somewhere? Get laundry inspo here...

UBIQ’s product range includes decking, flooring and walling. The decking options include composite decking which can be produced in sheets like concrete flooring or cut in lengths and stained to look exactly like timb...

INEX>FLOOR is a high strength lightweight internal or external flooring sheet with tongue and grooved (T&G) edges for a neat secure surface.

Love a good roof deck? Here's the inspo you need to design your own roof deck where you can sit back with a drink and watch the sunset.

AWS Systems are used in some of Australia's most innovative residential projects. Take a look at how AWS is bringing architects' visions to life...

COLORBOND® Metallic steel in Galactic®. A simple play of light is all that’s needed to bring out the signature metallic finish on new COLORBOND® Metallic steel.

The Smeg brand has become a household name in Australia for premium cooking and kitchen appliances with colourful and stylish designs.

If you're looking for a house design for your acreage block, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do. Here are some options to consider.

Full of character but dark and stuck with a long, narrow block, terrace renovations are a challenge, but the outcomes can be incredible.

Passive house (German: Passivhaus) is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy fo...

Duplex developments are popping up all over our cities. While they can be a great way to increase density, they need to be designed well!

Multi-generational homes are becoming more and more popular as people find ways to live in their homes longer and help their children get on the property ladder. It's win-win!

Granny flats for hip grandparents (or anyone, for that matter, grandchildren not a pre-requisite) and bungalows for living large...

Got a narrow site and wondering what your options are? Check out these stunning homes on narrow sites under 6-meters wide!

An apartment's answer to outdoor space, the balcony is an opportunity to create a lush outdoor living space to take advantage of a view and aspect, but with wind and the elements, it can be a challenge...

The traditional Queenslander is essentially a weatherboard, British-style cottage on stilts with a wrap around verandah. But the effect is a home that is well adapted to Queensland's warm, humid climate: the verandah...

Designing to allow you to age in place allows you to live independently and comfortably in your own home as you age, with adaptations to meet changing mobility needs.

Explore stunning weatherboard houses, blending classic charm with modern design, perfect for stylish and durable living.