Emu House
Contemporary Coastal Emu Point, Albany
Located in Albany, Western Australia, Emu House is a contemporary coastal residence that demonstrates the power of collaboration between architecture and landscape design. Positioned prominently on a highly visible corner site, the project balances privacy, functionality and public engagement, creating a home that responds thoughtfully to both its occupants and its surroundings.
Designed by CBD Architects in collaboration with Drift Landscape Studio, Emu House is a carefully considered architectural response to Albany’s dramatic coastal environment. Every aspect of the project, from the built form to the landscaping, has been meticulously designed to create a cohesive and enduring family home.
Project Status: Complete
Builder: Ryde Building
Lead Designer: Roberto Forgione
Landscape Design: Drift Landscape Studio
Photography: Paris Hawken & Jemma Keech
A Landmark Coastal Residence
One of the most distinctive features of Emu House is its rooftop terrace, making it one of Albany’s only residential homes to offer elevated panoramic views across the Southern Ocean from the roof top.
The rooftop space was conceived as an extension of the home’s living areas, providing a unique outdoor retreat where residents can enjoy Albany’s spectacular coastline, changing weather patterns and expansive ocean vistas. The result is a living experience that fully embraces the beauty of Western Australia’s Great Southern region.
By elevating outdoor living above the surrounding streetscape, the design captures views that would otherwise be unavailable while creating an unforgettable connection between architecture and landscape.
Collaborative Design Excellence
Successful projects are often the result of strong collaboration, and Emu House is a testament to that philosophy.
CBD Architects were commissioned to deliver the architectural design, focusing on spatial planning, materiality, coastal responsiveness and the overall architectural vision. Simultaneously, Drift Landscape Studio developed a landscape strategy that complements and enhances the built form.
Rather than treating architecture and landscaping as separate disciplines, both teams worked together to ensure a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. The landscaping softens the architectural form, creates privacy where required and strengthens the connection between the home and its coastal setting.
This integrated design approach ensures that every element contributes to a unified and highly resolved outcome.
Responding to the Public Realm
Although Emu House is a private residence, its location on a prominent corner site presented a unique design challenge.
The home occupies a highly visible position within the streetscape, making it important that the architecture contributed positively to the surrounding public realm. Rather than creating a defensive or isolated façade, the design was carefully developed to engage with the street while maintaining privacy for the occupants.
Material selection, landscaping, building articulation and spatial planning all work together to create a residence that feels connected to its neighbourhood. The result is a home that sits comfortably within its context, enhancing the character of the streetscape while maintaining a strong architectural identity.
This balance between public presence and private living is a defining characteristic of the project.
Architecture Designed for Albany’s Coastal Environment
Designing for Albany requires a deep understanding of the local climate, coastal conditions and landscape character.
Emu House embraces these influences through a robust yet refined architectural language. The design responds to prevailing weather conditions, maximises natural light and ventilation, and creates sheltered outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The home’s form, orientation and material palette have been carefully considered to ensure longevity and performance in a coastal environment while delivering a timeless aesthetic that will endure for decades.
A Home Defined by Detail
At every scale, Emu House demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful design and meticulous detailing.
From the architectural planning through to the landscape integration, each decision was guided by a desire to create a residence that is both functional and beautiful. The project showcases how architecture can elevate everyday living through carefully crafted spaces, meaningful connections to place and an unwavering focus on quality.
The completed home stands as a contemporary coastal landmark within Albany, celebrating collaboration, craftsmanship and innovative residential design.
