Treehouse Sanctuary & Studio

The goal was to create a family home that embraces the surrounding remnant rainforest both internally and externally. TDDP’s studio is nestled within the garden, directly connecting to the landscape. Ground floor floats within the landscape and the sleeping level is in the treetops.

Project by TDDP
Place Sydney, NSW
Project Type Residential
Category Residential
Year 2020
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We have always loved vein cut stone, the Coliseum Striato is a beautiful stone that reflects movement in nature and services to ground the house. The natural warm tones contrast the green landscape perfectly. It is a very practical, durable stone that always looks good and cleans very easily.

Project Highlights

Natural Stone Landscaping in NSW

This project highlights the use of natural stone to define outdoor areas while maintaining a soft and organic design language. Premium stone paving and landscape features provide structure without overpowering the natural setting, supporting a balanced and refined outdoor environment.

The application of stone across multiple elements ensures durability and visual continuity, making it well suited to residential projects that prioritise both design quality and long-term performance. The result is a sanctuary-like space that reflects craftsmanship, restraint and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

Products Used

Other Projects

FAQs

Why is natural stone ideal for nature-inspired residential projects?

Natural stone blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, offering organic textures and tones that enhance a calm and cohesive outdoor space.

Can natural stone be used in subtle landscaping applications?

Yes, natural stone is highly versatile and can be used for pathways, paving and low-profile features without overwhelming the natural setting.

What types of natural stone are suitable for landscaping in NSW?

Limestone, sandstone and granite are commonly used due to their durability and ability to complement natural surroundings.

Is natural stone suitable for outdoor areas exposed to the elements?

Absolutely. Natural stone is durable and weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor environments in varying NSW conditions.

How does natural stone enhance the connection between architecture and nature?

It creates visual continuity through natural textures and tones, helping the built environment blend harmoniously with the landscape.

TAKE US THROUGH THE INITIAL STAGES WHEN YOU WERE DESIGNING THE HOME.

We were very fortunate to work with the noted Southern Highlands Architect, Martin McGrane, on the creative design and layout of our home. Together with Martin, we created a beautiful, contemporary open plan home to enjoy with our family and friends.  This is our forever home.

Through a friend of ours, we came across an interior designer, and a beautiful outdoor material, the Cathedral Limestone, which we just fell in love with. We worked closely with Peta Daniel, Interior Designer from Daniel Baker Design, based in Sydney.  Which was wonderful, Peta just got us and what we were wanting to achieve in our home and helped us to make it a reality, in the selection of materials and finishes.

 

WERE THERE CERTAIN PEOPLE/PLACES THAT YOU TOOK INSPIRATION FROM WHEN DESIGNING/BUILDING THE HOME?

We were looking for a contemporary design, however, I didn’t want it to be too modern.  Inspired by a property in LA, that my husband came across, which we took some concepts from and added our ideas, and made it our own.

The LA contemporary look and detail leading into the house from the front door was something that we just loved.  Along with having one row of tiles that runs along the inside of the glass sliding doors leading into the living/dining room from the alfresco space was also a unique detail we wanted to include.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING PROCESS?

The build started in February 2020, and with all the delays throughout COVID, material delays, supplier issues, constant rain, mud pools, you name it, we had it!  Encountering all the possible elements, it felt like we were living in gumboots most of the time during the build.  It took 3 years to build the property, and 8 months just to get the roof on!

We had a deadline for our home to be finished by, which was our daughters’ wedding, being held in March 2023.

There were delays happening everywhere, including issues and delays with the quarry who were providing the Limestone that was to be used in all the outdoor areas surrounding the property.  We had chosen Cathedral Limestone in an alfresco finish with a lovely organic distressed finish on the edge, that we knew would complement the other natural materials we were using.  Time was of the essence, and it came to crunch time and the quarry could not provide a guaranteed time of delivery.  We thought what a disaster!

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH SAREEN STONE.. AND HOW THE TEAM HELPED TO OVERCOME THE SUPPLY ISSUE WITH THE CATHEDRAL LIMESTONE.

Working closely with Michael Mastro, from Sareen Stone, he had been in constant contact updating me as best he could.  Then an alternative solution was presented, another Limestone of the same size and finish, with similar tones, which I hoped would work and arrive in time.  Sareen Stone had been behind the scenes working closely with another quarry, to create a new product ‘Lavarosa Anticato’, just for our project, so that we had a solution and were able to finish our home in time for our daughter’s wedding.

When the material arrived, we couldn’t have been happier.  We just loved the Lavarosa Anticato, and it worked so well with our colour palette, and love it even more than our previous selection.  We were over the moon!

 

DESIGNER COMMENTS:

Working with Kate and Eugene on this project was wonderful. They were passionate about the overall design but also the finer details and the interplay of the natural materials with the surrounding landscape.

It was very important that the natural material palette was harmonious, and that each element was both complementary and warm.

I’ve worked with Michael from Sareen Stone on a number of projects and have always been impressed with his professional advice and clear communication. The magnificent home warmly wrapped with the “Lavarosa Anticato” is simply stunning.   A beautiful project!

Peta Daniel, Daniel Baker Design

 

IN COLLABORATION WITH:

Interior Designer:  Daniel Baker Design, 0414 341 778
Architecture:  Martin McGrane Architects, 0412 242 253
Photography and short film:  Bolt Media, 0426 607 040