Artist's Iconic Stilt House Seeks New Custodian

The Ball-Eastaway House, an iconic 1983 residence designed by Glenn Murcutt, is set to change custodians. Artist Lynne Eastaway, who commissioned the home with artist Sydney Ball, is preparing to pass on stewardship of the property located on a 10-hectare block northwest of Sydney.

Murcutt, a Pritzker Prize laureate, designed the house to "touch the earth lightly" by elevating it on steel columns. This approach minimizes environmental impact and allows for natural air circulation. The design incorporates unique details, like gutter slopes determined by eucalypt leaf sizes, reflecting Murcutt's thoughtful integration with nature.

Eastaway cherishes the deep connection to the natural world the house provides, learning to live as part of the environment rather than above it. The house, recently granted heritage listing by the New South Wales government, has undergone renovations by Downie North architects, preparing it for its next chapter.

Murcutt's pioneering sustainable architecture, characterized by its sensitivity to landscape and climate, continues to influence new generations of architects globally. His philosophy emphasizes logical, sensible design that works with nature to create beautiful and enduring solutions.