In Torquay, on Wadawurrung Country, a new family home has been designed in the most thoughtful way. The project, called Thisledoo, by Cooper and Blake Architecture is a new build that honours its humble but much loved predecessor while embracing modern sustainability and style. The original home had been in the family for several generations, but had grown increasingly unsuitable for its current occupants. The result? A beautiful, sustainable home that stays true to its roots while providing everything a modern family needs.
Thisledoo's new chapter is all about blending old and new. The family wanted a home that respected the history of the original dwelling—humble, compact, and filled with strong generational ties. At the same time, they needed something more accommodating for their current lifestyle, with sustainability at the forefront. Enter Jessica Murray, the architect who expertly brought this vision to life. "We wanted to create something that maintained all the charm of what had been there for decades but gave it an update for modern-day living," Jessica explains.
The result is a 4-bedroom, 2-living area, split-level home that’s both beautiful and environmentally conscious. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the design, from the burnished concrete floors to the locally sourced hardwood. Passive solar design principles are also at play, with extensive low-e glazing ensuring the home stays comfortable year-round while reducing energy consumption.
The interiors are where the home really shines. With a darker palette grounding the space, the vibrant ferns and landscaped gardens surrounding the property take centre stage. The design allows the natural beauty of the outdoors to spill inside, creating a sense of harmony with the environment. Every opportunity to integrate with the surroundings has been taken, making it feel as though the house has always been part of this landscape.
Sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or style, and Thisledoo proves that. It’s a great example of how natural materials and energy-efficient design can come together to create something that feels luxurious without being wasteful. Whether it’s the burnished concrete floors that retain heat in winter thanks to the thoughtful use of passive solar design, or the effortless cross flow ventilation keeping things cool in summer, every detail has been carefully considered.
Beyond its environmental credentials, Thisledoo is also a testament to how history can be honoured in modern builds. It’s not about forgetting the past; it’s about celebrating it in new and creative ways. By maintaining the essence of the original home, and building on the bones of the original, the project brings a sense of continuity, a reminder of the strong generational ties that still exist within its walls.
Thisledoo is more than just a home; it’s a model for how we can build in a way that respects both our past and our future. It shows that sustainable building practices and traditional values can coexist—and even enhance each other. For anyone looking for inspiration on how to create a sustainable home that still feels connected to its roots, Thisledoo is a shining example.
Whether you’re building from scratch or updating an old family home, there’s plenty to learn from Thisledoo’s thoughtful design and sustainable approach. It’s proof that with the right planning, we can all create homes that are kinder to the planet without compromising on comfort or style.
