A charming suburban setting on the outskirts of Adelaide is home to the striking Cedar House, a contemporary residence defined by elegant contrasts. From the street, the home makes a confident statement with its dark charred cedar cladding, a deliberate exterior choice that gives the facade a distinctive, durable presence. Designed by JPE Design Studio, the house is organized as two linked units separated by a long central corridor that connects the front of the property to the rear garden. This simple organizing strategy creates clear, functional zoning: children’s bedrooms and bathrooms sit on one side of the corridor, while the adult bedrooms and private spaces occupy the opposite side.
Stepping inside reveals a deliberate and harmonious shift in palette and mood. The exterior’s deep grays and blacks give way to a lighter, airier interior composed of whites, soft grays and light wood tones. That transition is handled with restraint and care so the change in material and color feels natural rather than abrupt. The main living areas—the open living room, kitchen and dining zone—flow together in an open-plan arrangement that emphasizes connection and family interaction, while the private spaces remain quietly separated down the corridor.
The interior strategy prioritizes natural light, calm materials and adaptable spaces. Large box-style windows create cozy window seats that frame garden views, inviting residents to pause and enjoy the outdoors from inside. Light-filled living areas are layered with neutral furnishings and pale timber surfaces that complement the darker exterior skin, reinforcing the contrast between the home’s exterior strength and interior warmth.
Outdoor connection is a clear priority. A broad timber deck extends the living area outdoors and serves as a flexible extension of daily life, perfect for entertaining, play or quiet relaxation. The surrounding landscape is carefully curated to complement the home’s architecture, creating a green buffer that enhances privacy while reinforcing a breezy, relaxed atmosphere. Simple pendant lighting and subtle architectural details complete the picture, giving the house an approachable, contemporary edge.
Practical design moves are integrated throughout. A discreet, below-ground garage keeps vehicles out of sight and preserves the clean lines of the architecture. Inside, an oak stair leads to a mezzanine reading platform that offers a private retreat with views into the main living spaces and beyond to the landscaped yard. Nearby, two custom timber cavity sliding doors allow the children’s play and study area to be opened up or closed off, giving the family the flexibility to adapt the layout as needs change over time.
The home includes a mezzanine reading platform accessed via an oak stair, creating a secluded, inspiring space that remains visually connected to the principal living areas and the external landscaping. Custom timber cavity sliding doors next to the lounge can be used to divide the children’s play and study area, giving the family the adaptability to respond to changing needs.
The balanced interplay between the home’s bold exterior and its serene interior makes Cedar House an exemplary modern family home in Unley Park, Adelaide. It demonstrates how considered material choices, careful spatial planning and a strong indoor-outdoor relationship can create a residence that is both practical for everyday family life and visually compelling. Photography by Sam Noonan documents these qualities, capturing the home’s light-filled interiors, clever details and the seamless transition from the dark, textured outside to the calm, refined interior spaces.
