Architectural prize in Nicholls hits the market

At the end of an unassuming cul de sac in Canberra’s north sits an architectural prize that gives a masterclass in embracing the natural topography of a site.

The house at 6 Kuhn Place, Nicholls, takes advantage of its elevated position and tapered 922-square-metre block.

But beyond making a striking first impression with solid concrete-rendered walls and steeply raked rooflines, the design concentrates on providing a series of impressive moments from within.

The concept was conceived by respected architect Bert Read, whose work was influenced by Japanese architecture, the natural world and industry heavyweights such as Frank Lloyd Wright.

Read’s designs, which can be found across Canberra and neighbouring districts, experimented with new forms and favoured natural materials such as brick and timber.

You can see some of those influences in this house – completed by the original owner-builder in 2000 – through the brush box joinery, the swathes of glass that capture natural light, and the serene courtyards and landscaping surrounding the home.

But where some of Read’s notable works celebrate the beauty of raw finishes, this project instead delivered a refined, almost futuristic, picture of elegance.

There is a surprising – and fun – interplay of sharp angles and clean lines, and the home is given a degree of timelessness through elements such as imported marble flooring, a neutral palette and stainless steel kitchen benchtops.

Agent Theo Koutsikamanis of Bastion Property Group says the current owner, who bought the property about 10 years ago, was drawn to the home’s one-of-a-kind status.

“As a developer, he could have built or bought whatever he wanted in Canberra but he [chose this] for its architectural significance,” he says. “He couldn’t replicate what [is offered] there.”

Like many homes in Nicholls, 6 Kuhn Place is big, offering about 531 square metres of living space plus an additional 64 square metres in the triple garage.

From the front door, you’re greeted with a grand foyer. Beyond is an oversized office, while down the hall to the right you pass a formal lounge and dining room.

These rooms connect to a tranquil central courtyard where a stunning granite water feature nabs attention.

Next you enter the (semi) open-plan living area and expansive chef’s kitchen (with a butler’s pantry) which overlooks the dining space. To the left is a separate rumpus room.

Koutsikamanis says the clever design, which is oriented to embrace a northerly aspect to the rear of the home, offers an amazing sense of privacy and segregation, inside and out.

But at the same time the floor plan is highly functional, allowing occupants and guests to easily come together for social gatherings.

“The house has many architectural elements that are unique. For a home of its age, it was clearly ahead of its time,” he says.

Upstairs, the three bedrooms, plus the main bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe, all have large proportions.

The main’s sense of spaciousness is magnified by a void, while each bedroom has access to a covered balcony and views over the treetops.

On the lowest of the three levels is a bonus space – a fifth bedroom or studio, complete with a kitchenette and separate en suite.

Koutsikamanis believes this is a great point of difference, especially for multigenerational families who are looking for a property to accommodate extended family.

“We’ve had over 70 groups through two open inspections already, who were intrigued by the home’s design,” he says. “But it really is one of those homes you need to walk through to appreciate. The photos won’t ever do it justice.”

The home is set to go to auction at 12.45pm on April 13.

Nicholls is known for being home to many large, high-quality houses on leafy, hilly streets which skirt several golf courses.

The suburb borders the unique Gold Creek Village, includes primary and secondary schools, and is less than a 10-minute drive from Gungahlin’s town centre.

$1,990,000+

6 Kuhn Place, Nicholls ACT 2913

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