Kersbrook Estate stands as a project like no other, where the breathtaking beauty of the landscape intertwines seamlessly with the grand scale of the build and meticulously detailed specifications. This project exemplifies how modern design can embrace and enhance its natural surroundings, creating a residence that is both awe-inspiring and deeply connected.
Designed by Adelaide’s boutique residential architecture and construction firm, Glasshouse Projects, the contemporary family home is seamlessly integrated into the 92 acres of the tranquil rural landscape of Kersbrook, South Australia.
The brief presented was to design a forever home for a young family to come together and grow, creating warm and inviting spaces which continually reference and embrace the surrounding rolling hills and pastoral landscape.
To meet the brief effectively, Glasshouse undertook an extensive site analysis to determine the optimal siting and orientation of the home, also considering practicalities of access to services, roads and solar movement. Ultimately, a northernly aspect was chosen, with the focal point being a majestic gum tree. By aligning the entry, skylight, and infinity pool to reinforce this visual axis, Glasshouse continues to draw attention to the ever-expansive rural landscape.
The home encompasses 786m of contemporary living, incorporating two living spaces, an art studio, five bedrooms, an office space, four bathrooms, cellar, an entertainment room, patios and pool.
The rational design incorporates exaggerated horizontal planes to ground the structure to its vast landscape, maximising the internal spaces to take advantage of the northerly aspect. A raised horizontal roof structure with panoramic high-level windows enhances the building’s scale, creating a light drenched living space that uniquely references its surroundings.
By utilizing locally sourced stone and rich woods, the project celebrates its environment, exuding warmth and authenticity. Over 1500 tonnes of local limestone walling was erected to visually ground the building, also extending to the outdoor area, creating a sense of seamless connection. In addition to the random-rubble laid stone walling, a naturally inspired and tactile material pallet includes grey ironbark, bluestone, brass and walnut joinery, reinforcing the richness of the visual language.
A 3-meter high glass door welcomes the visitor, drawing their gaze through to the floating water of the recessed infinity pool and the framed gum tree. The sheer scale of the entry is accentuated by 2m wide feature skylights which extend the complete entry and adjacent hallway. These features required intricate engineering and carefully executed detailing to recess the steel channel into the limestone stone walls, ensuring the skylights were fully trafficable. Additionally, the complexity presented by the overhang of the upper roof, meant that each glass panel had to be carefully craned and positioned in place.
The central expansive living area is flanked by the master suite and children’s quarters, which allow privacy and areas for retreat, whilst encouraging the family to gather in the heart of the home. Connectively and flow is achieved in this large footprint by the deliberate repetition of materials such as stone, wood and marble. Glasshouse’s interior designers undertook an extensive search for the benchtop material to feature across the kitchen and cellar spaces, finally settling on the rich and moody, Black Beauty Marble. Over 30 slabs were inspected with the clients to ensure that the pieces could work as a feature series across the home.
Meticulous craftsmanship is extended throughout the whole design, ensuring the sheer scale of the structural elements are balanced by warming, detailed and refined finishes. A key example is in the 1700 tonnes of ironbark hardwood which was used as feature fins in the entry, landscaping, garage framing and side screening, to reduce the bulk of the built form by adding texture and tactility.
Lead architect and construction manager, Don Iannicelli, emphasizes that "the challenge with Kersbrook was to maintain its wholesomeness considering its significant scale. While we designed for ample light and space, there was always a risk of it feeling austere. It required a delicate balance to showcase and integrate with the landscape while ensuring the home remained a sophisticated yet practical sanctuary for family life. I believe we have accomplished that, in a truly unique manner."
