In the vibrant riverside suburb of Putney, the Canopy CLT House quietly stands out, merging sustainable principles with texture and colour in a way that is both intentional and inspiring.
Project Name: Canopy CLT House
Studio Name: Still Space Architecture
Principal Architect: Nina Still
Project Completion: 2024
Project Location: Putney NSW, Australia.
Project Type: New Build
Gross Build Area (sq m): 261
Photo Credits: Brett Boardman
Builder: M J Minard Constructions
Landscaping: Outdoor Establishments
When Susan and Louis purchased the corner block, they saw the potential to create something special—a warm, light-filled family home that reflected their love for Nordic and Japanese design. Drawn to architect Nina Still’s playful approach and design expertise, they engaged her firm, Still Space Architecture, to bring their vision to life.
“The brief was for a warm, crafty and tactile family home,” recalls Nina. “The house also needed room for extended family to stay and a communal space for music practice.”
The decision to design the house as a certified Passive House came later. “After researching the benefits and even staying in a Passive House ourselves, we were sold.” Susan explains.
The Canopy CLT House is thoughtfully laid out across a modest block, with design choices that both celebrate and work around the constraints of the site. The mature Lillipilli tree in the southwest corner, originally slated for removal, became a central element in shaping the projects layout. This constraint led to a more resolved design, with the tree’s overarching canopy visible from most rooms, bringing a sense of nature into the home.
The design carefully addresses the challenges posed by the west-facing orientation, with a ventilated cavity system specified to keep the façade and roof cool during the summer months and minimise condensation risk.
Entry to the house is via a screened courtyard with a trickling pond. Once inside, the layout is clear and rational, with a children’s bedroom wing and communal areas along the spine of the house.
Roof and skylights are angled to dramatically bring in northern light with double height stair voids and sculptural ceilings bringing spatial drama to the space. Upstairs, the master suite and a versatile study and music room open onto a roof terrace, offering a secluded retreat with views over the landscaped garden and pool.
The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is central to the home’s design, creating a minimal yet warm aesthetic while also meeting environmental goals. “The CLT panels have been designed as the internal skin, and the rooms are sculptural as a result,” explains Nina. “It allows for a thin and efficient structure, so the spaces feel very minimal and zen due to the simplicity of the volumes.” Interior elements, such as shelving and other built-in features, are crafted from plywood, complemented by cork flooring. Soft pops of colour are introduced in the kitchen, bathrooms, doors, and external structures, adding a playful contrast to the otherwise natural palette.
The Canopy CLT House was designed with the future in mind, tailored to handle the heating and cooling demands of a warmer, more humid climate. The project features continuous insulation, high-performing windows and doors, and a carefully planned ventilation system to ensure fresh, clean air throughout.
The design minimises energy use, with features like controlled daylighting, efficient appliances, and a moisture management system, all contributing to a durable, mould-free environment. The use of renewable materials and a grid design that minimises waste further underscores the home’s commitment to sustainability.
Despite challenges during construction, including delays with the CLT panels and a change of builders, the Canopy CLT House was completed in just over 18 months. The finished product is a testament to the collaboration between the architect and the homeowners, as well as the power of staying true to a vision. “It’s a privilege to live here,” Susan reflects. “The house feels very calm, and warm— plenty of space for people to do different things, but still feel connected.”
