Cocooned–Early 1900s Queensland Workers’ Cottage

In the hinterland behind Noosa, owner Robin Purvis was drawn to an expansive, sloping lot dotted with hidden waterways, an abundance of wildlife and an existing Queensland workers’ cottage dating back to the early 1900s at the front. “I was with a friend and we went up the back as far as we could,” Robin recalls. “And we were just sitting on the slope where actually the house has now been built, and all I could hear were the birds and frogs, and I thought this is where I want to live.” She bought the block with the intention to restore the cottage and build a home out the back.

With a vision to construct a modest off-grid house deeply connected to the surrounding bushland, Robin enlisted the expertise of Dan Wilson (from Knight Wilson architects) in collaboration with Henry Bennett to help realise her plans. Their collaborative approach placed the landscape at the forefront, ensuring the home would blend seamlessly with its environment. Driven by a deep understanding of Robin’s vision, Dan and Henry crafted architectural designs that prioritised functionality and blended naturally with the environment rather than opting for extravagance.

Drawing from the Queenslander vernacular, this home introduces refined differences that give it a distinct character. The house is designed in an L-shape, with various living areas and a courtyard on one side of the extended verandah, and a lively, sloping landscape on the other. The verandah serves as a unifying spine, connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. Acting as the main circulation path, it allows occupants to stay continually linked to the surrounding scenery. The primary courtyard, nestled between the building and the hillside, creates a secluded sanctuary and offers a sheltered retreat that feels part of the expansive environment.

“The house has a very open design, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the bush setting. Everything flows together,”

Thoughtful architectural details by Dan and Henry are elegantly integrated, enriching the home’s overall ambiance. Square highlight windows recur throughout the rooms, each capturing a different scene and unifying the spaces with a consistent motif. This detail showcases the thoughtful incorporation of bushfire compliance measures into the home’s design. The massing of the north-east pavilions rise toward the sky, welcoming winter sunlight, while thoughtful screening provides shade in the summer. “The house draws everyone to the verandah’s edge, where the courtyard lies,” Henry says. “The pitched roof offers afternoon shade, inviting refreshing breezes and making the area a pleasant outdoor space all day long”. Expansive sliding doors further dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

Robin’s commitment to sustainability is clear in the new house, which runs completely off the grid. Solar panels power both the home and an electric car, while a septic tank and water reservoirs from surrounding dams support daily needs. “The house has a very open design, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the bush setting. Everything flows together,” Robin explains. “It’s open, catching breezes and creates a wonderful atmosphere inside.”

As a passionate gardener, Robin has devoted considerable effort to landscaping and preserving her property’s natural beauty. “I’ve always had an interest in gardens and have learnt as I’ve gone along,” she explains. When she first purchased the site, she noticed a chain of ponds obscured by dense undergrowth. Through various landscaping projects, she created three dams and removed numerous invasive trees and overgrown shrubs, bringing the land back to a healthy state. The area is now flourishing with birds and bees. “We’re fortunate that when you plant something, it thrives,” Robin remarks.

The material palette embodies a sense of simplicity and authenticity. Hardwood timber borders the fixed windows and doors, complementing the exposed structural beams and the bright white walls. Throughout the home, timber is a key element featuring trims and operable timber screens, and is echoed in the scattered timber joinery. Dan notes that the material palette emphasises simplicity and highlights raw materials with a clear finish. In the living areas, the absence of a hung ceiling reveals the exposed beams above.

Folded into its setting, Cooroy House is a unique and understated off-grid residence that embraces local plant life and reflects the history and charm of the local timber and tin cottages. Prioritising the beauty of its natural surroundings, the design beautifully resonates with the lively hues of the Queensland bush.

Inside issue 101 — Grab the issue here.