Size no issue in Forde home

Margaret and John Cook say their Forde home is the smallest, but most comfortable home they have ever owned.

At just 113 square metres, the smartly designed home packs a punch with flexible living spaces, white joinery and a seamless connection to the surrounding bushland.

Sarah Lebner of Light House Architecture and Science (formerly Jigsaw Housing) designed the modular home with a focus on northern passive solar access and stunning natural surrounds.

The couple, who had moved from a large four-bedroom home, requested that the home be small, comfortable and energy efficient, with two living areas. The Cooks also plan to grow old in the home so it is one level and wheelchair friendly.

The house boasts an energy rating of 7.9 stars and the couple says the home’s thermal properties, which include a high level of insulation and burnished concrete floors, make it very comfortable to live in.

“The rooms are bright and we have good views to the outdoors from most room,” Margaret says.

“We expect to be able to live here into old age. Our garden plantings are growing well and we already have many birds visiting our bird baths.”

The couple advises other downsizers to shed all old furniture and unnecessary possessions and start with a clean slate.

“It’s very liberating to do so and allows you to design a house that is not constrained by, or cluttered with, inappropriate possessions,” John says.