Is This the Best Modern House in the World? (House Tour)

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Crafted by James Stockwell Architect, Bunkeren could be the best modern house in the world. Considered more landscape than building, the concrete dwelling is a robust insertion within the surrounding natural context.

Embedded into a rocky forest edge just south of Newcastle, Bunkeren sits on the land of the Awabakal people. Externally, the building is reminiscent of the inspiring botanical garden that once occupied the location in the late 1800s; sprouting greenery covers the top of floating concrete platforms where, beneath, the internal spaces are held. A sense of architectural freedom is permitted by minimising necessary supporting columns and removing the need for load-bearing walls, lending structural significance and an impressive silhouette to what is considered the best modern house in the world.

A house tour of Bunkeren – named according to the Danish translation of ‘bunker’ – reveals the negotiated peaks and pitfalls of the bunker configuration. In materiality and position, the home expresses a reassuring invulnerability; partly shielded by the rocky landscape and comprised of concrete, Bunkeren can retain its structural integrity in the event of a bushfire or storm. Crafted by the architect to be low maintenance, the home does not require painting and cannot be eroded by mould or termites. The enveloping botanical element of the design supports the forest ecosystem and microclimates by interacting with natural species. James Stockwell Architect designs the interior to combat the limited natural light and ventilation associated with the architecture of a traditional bunker. Skylights and an internal garden draw light into the underground aspects of the home in an aesthetically engaging manner, whilst the elevated nature of the concrete platforms allows space for fresh air to travel through the dwelling.

The interior design of Bunkeren contributes to its potential as the best modern house in the world. Whilst utilising the work of local artists, James Stockwell Architect also takes care to reflect the influence of Danish design culture in consideration of the homeowners’ lifestyle. In application of the Danish principle of proportion, all decoration is scaled to human level, emphasising the togetherness of the family unit. The design also champions the Danish furniture inherited by the homeowners. A restrained approach to styling sees each space defined by a sense of intimacy, with the absence of elaborate ornamentation establishing an unimposing, experientially gentle atmosphere.

The most unique aspect of the home – through which James Stockwell Architects proposes Bunkeren as the best modern house in the world – is the cellar, situated at the lowest level. Inside the space, the rock into which the residence is settled within is left exposed, providing visual drama, natural tactility and a reflection of the external environment, blurring the line between the home and landscape. Warmed by the additional materials of wood, concrete and brass, the cellar exudes individuality.

In 20 years, the foliage surrounding Bunkeren will have grown, until the building cannot be clearly distinguished from its natural context. It is this foresight that allows Bunkeren to be considered the best modern house in the world.

00:00 – Introduction to the Best Modern House in the World
00:40 – The Concept
01:30 – Designing for Family and the Landscape
02:09 – House Inspired by Danish Design
02:25 – Intimate Spaces
02:44 – Bunker within the Landscape
03:20 – Benefits of a Concrete Bunker House
04:20 – Bringing Natural Light into the House
04:55 – The Cellar
05:30 – Materiality
06:12 – Indoor-Outdoor Living
07:05 – Highlights of the House
07:28 – The Architect’s Favourite Part of the House

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Architecture by James Stockwell Architect.
Photography by Tom Ross.
Build by Ledbury Constructions.
Structural Engineering by PMI Engineers.
Styling by Atelier Lab.
Furniture Supplied by Spence & Lyda.
Filmed and Edited by Cheer Squad Film Co.
Production by The Local Project.

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#ModernHouse #HouseTour #Architecture #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #Architect #ModernHome #ModernInteriorDesign #TheLocalProject #House #Home #Australia #AmazingArchitecture #DreamHouse

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50 thoughts on “Is This the Best Modern House in the World? (House Tour)”

  1. Gods I want a unique house. I'm thinking of building a tiny house in the back of my parents house, but something in me also wants to buy land and make a tiny house of my own, filled with the things I want.

    Reply

  2. I love this house it’s stunning and makes us dream but concrete is not respectful of nature. Imagine every family in the world with a huge concrete house and the dream is gone, the world would be a giant quarry. No nature left

    Reply

  17. Interesting to see the last of the Bauhaus 100 year old being called modern. Promotion is based on selling emotion rather than beauty of architecture. It is a cultural hole which only nature can try to fix. Poor nature.

    Reply

  19. This is an obscene spectacle of ego, waste of resources, and a statement of personal, class superiority. Don't you know what the state of the world is? Don't you know what simplicity and contentment are? Make yourself hungry and go get yourself a bowl of beans and sit on the curb and eat it. Not happy? That's on you.

    Reply

  21. I grew up in the bush but I live and work in the city. I’d move back there in a heart beat if I could. I try to connect with it when I can. The house is beautiful but the environment is better. They say you can take the girl out of the country but can never take the country out of the girl that’s me through & through. Sure can’t beat the Aussie bush and wildlife I love it and I never take it for granted. 🐨🌴🐍🕊️🦜🦋🦘💚💛❤️

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  22. It surely is a beautifully done house.It reminds me of the designs done by Frank Loyd Wright,specially Falling Water.But it also has an character of its own.And i love the way the vegetation is allowed to grow on the roofs as to integrate more nature into the whole concept.Congratulations.

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  33. Incredible! This fits into the Australian landscape so well. Proud of our world class design. For the foreigners – yes, you’d get some exciting critters in there every now and then, but nothing a good dustpan and brush can’t toss back into the bush – all worth it for those views! 😍

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