Inside Australia’s Must-See Modern Home: Discover What Everyone’s Raving About!

Today, we explore a heartwarming endeavor that beautifully merges family, creativity, and the stunning allure of nature. Tucked away in the trees along the Surf Coast of Victoria, The Treehouse by Keep Studio transcends mere architecture; it stands as a symbol of the father-son relationship. This contemporary Australian residence reflects the distinctive design philosophies of its makers. Designer director William Davey collaborated with his retired builder father to bring this charming sanctuary to life. It’s a space that is both inviting and inspiring. As highlighted in a feature by The Design Files, the creation of this home was guided by two fundamental principles: fulfilling the family’s current and future requirements and maintaining a strict construction budget of $450,000.

Photography: Alexander William

A Vision Rooted in Family and Function

When William embarked on the journey to design his family’s residence, he was driven by two key principles — creating a home that catered to both current and future family needs and sticking to a strict budget. Together with Tim, he not only oversaw the construction but also took on the physical labor of building nearly every component of this modern Australian dwelling themselves.

“This limitation became a framework for innovation,” William explains.

The father-son team mixed concrete, crafted steel, built cabinetry, and even constructed the doors, all while ensuring the design maintained structural integrity and a profound connection to the natural surroundings.

Modernist Inspiration Meets Coastal Living

Inspired by the works of Robin Boyd, Craig Ellwood, and Richard Neutra, the design of this modern Australian home emphasizes simplicity, geometric forms, and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The building rests on bored piers, allowing it to gracefully rise above the steep Lorne terrain, thereby preserving the ground beneath and creating the illusion of living among the treetops.

Entry into the home begins at the upper level, where guests descend a spiral concrete staircase into the main living area — a breathtaking transition that unveils the enchanting essence of this treetop abode.

Designed for Today and Tomorrow

The current two-level layout is perfectly tailored for William, his partner Ruby, and their family. However, the design of this modern Australian home has been thoughtfully conceived to accommodate a potential third level in the future.

“We didn’t want a house that had more than we needed,” William states. “Instead, we crafted a home with everything we currently require, and in the future, we can expand if necessary.”

This adaptable approach guarantees that the residence can grow alongside the family, embodying Keep Studio’s design philosophy — timeless, functional, and deeply personal.

Material Honesty and Warm Minimalism

The dwelling’s rectilinear shape, wooden accents, and large openings reflect the architectural clarity found in mid-century modern design. Six timber-framed porthole windows — a whimsical homage to architect Richard Leplastrier — invite in vibrant light while adding a subtle nautical flair.

Inside, the color scheme features soft warm greys, muted greens, and earthy reds, enhanced by locally sourced recycled timber. Affordable materials such as IKEA stainless-steel drawers harmonize with custom cabinetry inspired by Gaudí, merging functionality with artistic expression.

A Treehouse That Feels Like a Shed

William affectionately characterizes the home as “functioning like a shed” — open, unrefined, and deeply connected to the natural environment. This modern Australian residence promotes natural airflow, features organic materials, and fosters a seamless relationship with the surroundings.

“At its most beautiful, the large top-hung blackbutt doors to the living room are wide open, the fire is crackling, and the sound of rain softly fills the lounge,” William shares.

This is a residence that feels alive — where each creak, shadow, and breeze adds to the overall living experience.

An Architecture of Family and Future

The Treehouse by Keep Studio is more than just a coastal home; it stands as a vibrant testament to creativity, ingenuity, and the unbreakable ties of family. Crafted with care and heart, it exemplifies what modern Australian architecture can embody: authentic, sustainable, and deeply human.