Where architecture meets nature, step into a home that is as rare as it is remarkable. An Architect's own residence, the HP Tree House - winner of the 2012 AIA Far North Queensland 'House of the Year' Award, is an architectural masterpiece that rests peacefully in its rainforest setting while offering a lifestyle of unrivalled seclusion and elegance.
Suspended on a superbly engineered steel frame above the forest floor, this building treads gently on its natural surrounds. The single-level home of three interconnected pavilions flows gracefully through breezeways, bathed in natural light and surrounded by mature canopy.
The living pavilion features a full-height glass facade opening directly to the forest and the view. It seamlessly connects to the outdoor lounge breezeway, overlooking a lower dining area and cooled by constant airflow off the mountainside. The master suite offers framed views of a rock-face waterfall in the wet season - nature's backdrop to daily life. The separate guest wing, privately positioned away from the master suite is perfect for family, visitors, or multigenerational living and it allows occupants to enjoy their own retreat within the rainforest setting, while preserving the peace and privacy of the main residence.
The home's elevated position offers ever-changing views across Cairns and the distant mountain ranges, shifting with the light of day, a breathtaking backdrop that brings the rainforest and cityscape together in perfect harmony.
Every material was selected for its low-maintenance and tropical durability. Galvanised steel frame, Colorbond cladding, aluminium door frames, sustainably harvested timber, local stone, and low-VOC finishes ensure longevity and environmental respect. Sustainability is paramount, with solar hot water, PV electricity generation, and a low-impact footprint.
This is not only a showcase of architecture, but also a home designed for comfortable, modern living. The private plunge pool surrounded by lush rainforest greenery is a cooling retreat immersed in nature. The workshop/studio space is ideal for creative projects or practical use. The private driveway leads to parking for three cars, with additional room for guest vehicles, a rare luxury in a secluded rainforest setting.
Set on an expansive 3,045sqm parcel in one of Cairns's most exclusive enclaves, the home feels worlds away yet is only minutes from Edge Hill Village, the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Airport and the CBD. Privacy is absolute adjoining Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, with views that frame the forest canopy, cascading rock faces, and, in the wet season, a natural waterfall.
More than a home, this is a living piece of architectural history. The HP Tree House offers an exceptional opportunity for a buyer seeking prestige, privacy, and a deep connection to nature - honest in form, elegant in function, and deeply respectful of its environment.
To book your inspection please call David Hall on 0491 322 700 or Natiesha Olufson on 0400 173 785 today.
Architect's Statement:
'Finding this exclusive, rainforest site in the city gave us an exciting opportunity to build a bespoke home for ourselves using extensive experience living and designing in the wet tropics. Our brief for our new home was for a single level building following the contour of the site with vehicle access to the door. It had to take advantage of the aspect and opportunities the site offered as well as minimising impact and energy use. We wanted it to be light and airy throughout as well as well protected in all weather conditions. The resultant design is purely 'form follows function'. It is a delight to occupy at all times of the year. We love our cool, quiet and private retreat.'
