Simpson
Welcome aboard, cool house lovers! Your presence is much needed on this Tasmanian adventure. Picture this: you’re in Acton, just outside of Hobart, breathing in the crisp, clean air. Welcome to the magic of small living and intelligent architecture that has the capacity to both baffle and captivate.
You’re about to step foot into a home that belongs to an architect. “Casa Acton,” they call it—a bush home, deeply connected with its environment, a home that wears its surroundings like an elegant ensemble. As you walk up the dramatic sandstone steps, flanked by timber cladding aging gracefully, you feel an ineffable excitement. It’s the charm of a small home filled with mysteries and stunning materials, ready to unravel and dazzle you.
One step inside, and the home embraces you like an old friend, radiating a rich, comforting energy. The wall, the ceiling, and everything around you are covered in OSB—structurally insulated panels. It’s raw, it’s authentic, and it embraces the imperfections with pride. You can’t help but admire the warmth of the sandstone floor that complements the walls and ceilings. Add to that the spectacular windows offering panoramic views of the greenery outside, and you have a breathtaking backdrop for life’s every moment.
Look around, and you’ll find plants everywhere. A mini indoor jungle, you might say, that breathes life into the home. The spotted gumwood in the kitchen stands tall, harmonizing the space. Yet, there’s more to this kitchen than meets the eye. The sunken design of the prep area allows easy interaction with anyone sitting on the other side. And just a few steps away, a simple antique piece cleverly separates the bedroom from the rest of the space.
Speaking of the bedroom, imagine being welcomed by lush greenery every time you wake up. The windows invite the sunlight in, casting a beautiful glow over the room. Step outside through a door that opens up to the side of the house, and let the ventilation breathe freshness into your day. The bathroom is small yet exquisite, tucked away behind the bedroom with a frosted glass shower stall and deep blue tiles, giving it an intimate and serene feel.
Stepping out, the house, raw on the outside, seamlessly blends in with the surrounding nature. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and comfort. Inside, it’s lavish, adorned with raw materials, epitomizing a sustainable and conscious lifestyle.
The heart of Casa Acton is the sandstone floor, the hero element that pulls together the home’s design. Laid down by hand, it took nine months of labor to complete, elevating the simple layout to a work of art. Every inch of the home is a testament to careful planning and thoughtful design.
The intelligent architecture creates an inviting open-plan layout that encourages interaction between spaces while maintaining a level of privacy. Even the bathroom creates an illusion of being in the midst of nature with dark stone and timber decking. The kitchen features a low-lying island bench that creates a dining table feel rather than a dominating island bench. The focus is always on sustainability and respect for nature, reflected in the full floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in and minimize the need for heating and cooling.
And then there are the plants, a myriad of them, thriving in the abundant natural light. They give life and personality to the home and help subtly define spaces in their unique way. The monstera, in particular, seems to have made itself quite comfortable, with its tendrils gently curling around the home.
Casa Acton is a testament to creativity and the power of constraints to inspire innovation. It’s a reminder that it’s possible to live simply and lavishly at the same time. It’s not just a home—it’s a love letter to nature, sustainability, and smart design.
Thank you for coming along on this journey. It’s a pleasure to re-share this story with you. Maybe this will inspire your own adventures in living small, living sustainably, or just appreciating the design that surrounds us. Here’s to the next voyage. For now, soak up the magic of Casa Acton, its serenity, and the intelligent design that makes it so special.
