Fairy Meadow, 2023.

Builder: Green Smith & Co

Interiors: Amoni + Dane

Photography: Daniel Mulheran

Koya House is a respectful addition and renovation to a classic Illawarra fibro cottage. The design embraces the home’s working-class heritage, reinterpreting it for contemporary family life.

Situated on a compact suburban site, the project carefully balances the need for openness and connection with the desire to retain the integrity of the original structure. The addition unfolds from the rear, creating a series of light-filled, connected spaces that transition seamlessly from interior to garden.

A restrained palette of natural materials and soft tones grounds the project in its coastal setting. Timber, textural finishes, and hand-crafted details such as clay wall sconces made by the client imbue the home with warmth and tactility. These personal elements create a strong sense of place and narrative, making the design both familiar and deeply individual.

Sustainability was integral to the design approach. Enhanced thermal performance, passive design strategies, and carefully selected materials reduce environmental impact while ensuring comfort throughout the year.

The project was realised through a close collaboration with the clients, Amoni and Paul, whose vision and input shaped both the architectural form and interior detailing. Greensmith and Co's craftsmanship brought the design to life, ensuring a precise execution of the concept with a commitment to quality and care.

Koya House reimagines a humble fibro home as a place of openness, warmth, and connection. It is a gentle transformation that acknowledges the past while offering a sustainable and inviting future for family living.

Client Testimonial

“We had a wonderful experience with Dane. From the beginning we were confident that Dane understood our brief, and he has designed the perfect family home for us. We appreciate the attention to detail and thought he has put into how we live and how the spaces will be used, whilst maintaining the aesthetic we had envisioned for the house. We highly recommend Dane’s services and feel very lucky to have had him design our home.” - Paul and Amoni.