Architect Eltham

Eltham has a long tradition of building in and with the bush: timber, mudbrick, houses that sit among the trees rather than clearing them. The people who live here usually chose it for exactly that, and they want any new building to respect it.

Zen Architects designed Bush Studio in Eltham, and the same principles guide all our work in bush settings: build lightly, protect the ecology, and let the landscape lead. Every project is led by our directors, Ric Zen and Luke Rhodes.

A studio in the canopy.

Bush Studio was added to an existing brick house as an inspiring workspace for an artist. The lightweight timber structure hovers above the ground, perched in the canopy of native trees, and is clad in sustainably harvested, radially sawn local hardwood.

It is oriented for light and winter sun, with deep awnings and cross ventilation to stay cool in summer. The local ecology was left unharmed by the build and actively enhanced through revegetation.

Project shown: Bush Studio, Eltham. Builder Truewood Constructions. Photography Emma Cross. View the project

Homes in Bush Settings

Designed around the trees and the fall of the land.

Studios and Additions

Workspaces, guest wings and studios that sit lightly on the site.

Bushfire-Ready Design

A bushfire response built into the architecture, not added afterwards.

A private conversation with one of our architects about your Eltham property. Arrange a design consultation

Questions worth answering.

Which council handles planning in Eltham?

Eltham is in Nillumbik Shire. Many Eltham properties are in a designated Bushfire Prone Area, and some carry vegetation or bushfire overlays, so we check every control that applies before the brief is fixed. You can check your own property's overlays with a free planning property report from VicPlan.

Can you build in the bush without harming it?

Yes, with care. Bush Studio was built as a lightweight structure that hovers above the ground, leaving the local ecology unharmed, and the site was revegetated afterwards.

Which materials suit an Eltham bush setting?

Materials that sit naturally among the trees and age well outdoors. At Bush Studio we used sustainably harvested, radially sawn local hardwood.

Can I add a studio to my existing Eltham house?

Often, yes. Bush Studio was added to an existing brick house as an inspiring workspace for an artist.

How does a bush home stay comfortable all year?

Through orientation and shading rather than machinery. Bush Studio faces the sun for winter warmth, with deep awnings and cross ventilation to keep it cool in summer.

We also work with clients in nearby Eaglemont, and on bushfire-rated sites across Victoria.