Its appeal lies not in opulent furnishings or visually arresting statements, but in something far more understated.
In an architect’s home, the most compelling reflections often emerge from quieter decisions: the way the building responds to its landscape, the way light filters through each opening, and above all, the thoughtful use of materials designed to endure over time.
Koos de Keijer’s retreat in Central Victoria, home to the founder of DKO Architecture, stands as a pure expression of that philosophy.
As one of Australia’s leading architecture studios, DKO Architecture is renowned for its residential, hospitality, and luxury resort projects, earning recognition across numerous international architecture and design publications.
Set on a quiet hillside, the house does not attempt to stand apart from its surroundings. Instead, it settles gently into the landscape, shaped by the contours of the land and the changing qualities of light and weather. Yet the true depth of the project lies not only in its setting or expansive views, but in the way materials have been thoughtfully selected to support everyday living and endure beautifully over time.
In conventional luxury residential design, materials are often treated as a statement in themselves: rare, expensive, pristine, and meticulously finished.
For Koos de Keijer, however, granite, travertine, and onyx are approached differently. They appear as though they have always belonged to the site, neither excessively polished nor designed to draw attention to themselves. Rather than serving a purely decorative purpose, they become an integral part of the architecture and the experience of inhabiting it.
For an architect, material selection is a decision measured in decades. The question is not simply how a space will look when it is first completed, but how it will age and evolve over time. What will it feel like after ten years, or even fifty?
Natural stone has become an indispensable material in the making of truly unique residences.
In this home, stone is far more than a surface material. It retains warmth through the winter months, offers a cooling presence in summer, and contributes to a sense of calm and permanence within the space. Its presence is deeply tied to the experience of living: from the morning light gliding across its surface to the quiet comfort of gathering by the fireplace on a windy day.
Natural wood and stone are used in careful balance throughout Koos de Keijer’s home, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and distinctive.
This stands in stark contrast to a design approach driven by trends. Rather than continually refreshing a space through changing aesthetics, the architect chooses to enrich it through materiality. When materials possess an inherent authenticity, a home does not need to be constantly reinvented. Instead, it gains depth over time, shaped by the people who inhabit it and the rhythms of everyday life.
The thoughtful use of colour, combined with sculptural furnishings, brings an added sense of character and intrigue to the home.
Source: Est Living.
