A Timeless Lakefront Retreat at Lake Kaniere
Ian’s Story:
Built for the View, Designed for Generations
Lake Kaniere is a place of breathtaking natural beauty—serene, ever-changing, and deeply special to those who visit. For our client, this home wasn’t just about building a house; it was about creating a sanctuary where family memories could be made for generations to come.
“Other architectural plans I looked at were either too expensive or didn’t suit the site. But here, the lake views, the proximity to the water, and the surrounding bushland have all come together exactly as intended.”
— Ian, Lake Kaniere
Design: A Home in Harmony With Nature
The primary goal of this design was to embrace the spectacular surroundings, ensuring the home remained connected to the landscape, no matter the weather or time of day.
Uninterrupted Lake Views: Expansive glazing in the living spaces offers an immersive view of the lake, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
Dual Aspect Decking: Extensive decks on two sides capture both the morning and evening sun, providing the perfect setting for relaxation throughout the day.
Thoughtful Interior Layout: A variation in ceiling heights between the living and dining areas subtly defines spaces while maintaining an open-plan feel.
Because of the unique environment of Lake Kaniere, the evolving light and weather patterns were only fully realized once construction was underway. Our client made several design adjustments during the process to optimize these elements. While mid-build changes can lead to added time and cost, sometimes they’re necessary to achieve the best result—especially for a home that is so deeply tied to its surroundings.
The Final Result: A bespoke Scandinavian-styled home engineered for an Alpine and Lake Environment
Building in an exposed, high-wind zone with complex ground conditions required additional engineering considerations. To ensure a high-quality build, we worked with our trusted local West Coast builders, with Amanda (General Manager, Fraemohs) overseeing the project as lead manager.
While design changes extended the timeline, our team adapted seamlessly to keep everything on track, delivering a 310-square-metre custom-designed home with a spacious over-height double garage. By the time we reached handover in late 2018, there was a shared sense of satisfaction—this was more than just a completed build; it was a home designed to be truly lived in.
The Project Gallery:
Words from the Client:
“I had explored a few architecturally designed homes before, but they ended up feeling a little… grandiose. Then I came across a Fraemohs home and thought, ‘What if we put that on stilts to enhance the view?’ That was the starting point. From there, we refined, tweaked, and revised until we got it just right. It’s been a long journey, but a good one. Now, seeing how the angles, the light, and the lake interact—it’s exactly what we hoped for. We love it, and our kids love it. This will be a place for great family moments.”
— Ian, Lake Kaniere
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