Spotted Gum Tree House was designed by Merrylees Architecture from day one around the enormous spotted gum occupying the back yard of the property. The tree can be seen from the surrounding neighbourhood and connects the site to the Bayside botanical gardens located nearby so was deemed an important feature to retain and protect. Photography by Tom Ross.

The proposal was designed around the gum’s substantial structural root zone, which proved to be challenging due to the location of the tree and other site constraints. Glimpses of the gum can be seen through thoughtfully placed windows and skylights throughout the house, maximising the visual feature that it is. The house wraps around the tree to create a protected, private and shaded outdoor setting directly off the kitchen and living space.