Welcome to The Nest, a home that doesn’t just sit on the land but integrates with it, creating a living experience as natural as breathing. Nestled on Bunurong Country in Inverloch, Victoria, this new home by Atlas Architects redefines the relationship between indoors and outdoors. It’s where design meets nature for coffee in the morning and a yoga session by sundown.
This family retreat is a big departure from the tired fibro shack that once occupied the site. It’s been transformed into a dynamic, multi-purpose home that balances function and flair, all while giving the planet a well-deserved high-five.
The upstairs living quarters are an ode to treehouses but with a grown-up twist. Perched among the treetops, the space is wrapped in glazing, offering leafy views and a sense of serenity. You won’t find stuffy corridors here—just breezy, open walkways that blur the line between inside and out. The recessed balcony makes you feel like you’re literally living in the trees.
Downstairs, things get even more interesting. The home splits into separate pavilions—a master suite, a yoga studio, and even a workshop—connected by decks and gardens. It’s like living in your own private resort, minus the awkward small talk with other guests.
The Nest doesn’t just look good; it works hard. The thoughtful layout ensures a cosy family vibe while providing enough breathing room for alone time. Need to host a family gathering? The deck, with its pergola frame and outdoor fireplace, transforms into an entertainment hotspot.
And talk about efficiency—this home achieves a stellar 7.4-star energy rating. It’s powered by a 14kW solar system and includes a 7,500-litre water tank for garden and household use. The old hardwood frame was reused, cutting down on waste and preserving the streetscape charm.
The home’s material palette is a love letter to its surroundings. Think split-face blocks that echo the nearby sandy coastline and Accoya timber that’s as eco-friendly as it is chic. The façade plays with horizontal and vertical lines, creating a visual rhythm that feels both dynamic and grounded.
Inside, biophilic design principles reign supreme. Every room has a view of the lush landscape, and the colour palette borrows hues from nature—sandy whites, leafy greens, and raw timber tones. Even the ensuite is a mini spa, complete with a pull-out sauna and round concrete basin that’s more chic than a Parisian café.
Honouring the land is central to this design and the home actively contributes to its environment. By retaining the garden and maximising passive solar design, it encourages biodiversity and minimises its footprint.
This home isn’t just a space to live—it’s a lifestyle, one that invites you to reconnect with nature while sipping your morning coffee or stargazing on the deck.
So, if you’re dreaming of a home that feels like a retreat without leaving home, The Nest might just inspire your next sea change.
