Scott Bartleet describes Kite House as a home that “appears to have gently landed among the tall gum trees. Perched on the steep contours of the hillside, its long, outstretched wings—rendered in white, grey, and black—mimic the plumage of its namesake, camouflaging the structure within the treetops. Only a single orange ‘iris’ stands out, offering a warm welcome to visitors.

This modest three-bedroom home is a considered response to an ecologically sensitive site. It nestles into a single contour line that wraps around the slope, minimizing its impact on the land. Oriented along an east–west axis, the house is designed for optimal solar control and thermal performance, well-suited to its subtropical environment.

Living spaces dissolve the boundary between inside and out, embracing the landscape, while the private sleeping quarters feel cocooned and serene, with framed views of the lush surrounding flora.”

The design process began in January 2020 with Scott Bartleet, with construction commencing in November 2020. The home was completed and ready for occupancy in August 2022. The 18-month build timeline was extended due to COVID-19 and unusually wet weather, but the result is a thoughtful, site-sensitive home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.