The National
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
On a dress‑circle site with long views to Parliament House, ‘The National’ sits low and quiet, allowing mature oak trees and the existing landscape to lead. Its generously set‑back form and simple entry bridge create a sense of arrival that is understated yet deliberate – a home that reveals itself slowly and respectfully within its setting.
Client Testimonial
COX delivered on our brief for a modernist home of distinctive design able to stand in the same company as the best mid-century homes in Australia. The home enhances the streetscape and gives back to the community, sitting quietly but confidently on the site. We love the front façade, the cantilevered elements and the elegant interior design. The shadows and reflections on the expressed concrete surfaces are endlessly changing and captivating. It is a joy to live in such a finely resolved, functional and beautiful home – beauty that continues to reveal itself from new perspectives after 18 months living here.
Internally, a split‑level design follows the natural gradient of the site, stepping down toward a main living area framed by full‑height glass that opens onto courtyards and captures north‑facing views. Drawing on mid‑century Palm Springs and Los Angeles Case Study homes, the design employs a restrained palette of off‑form concrete, glass, warm Blackbutt timber and extruded brick. Carefully proportioned and meticulously constructed, the home balances simplicity and elegance while fitting comfortably within its setting.
Sustainability is woven throughout the home’s materiality, orientation and systems. In situ concrete and concrete blocks provide thermal mass and longevity; carbon‑neutral extruded bricks and locally sourced timber offer durable, low‑maintenance finishes. North‑facing glazing and exaggerated eaves maximise daylight and passive solar gain, while surrounding vegetation shades east and west façades to support natural cross‑ventilation. A 10,000 L rainwater tank supplies irrigation and pool top‑up, and photovoltaic panels generate electricity and return surplus to the grid. Deep‑rooted planting in the front setback enhances biodiversity and micro‑climate resilience.
The design responds directly to the client’s needs for privacy, flexibility and cost efficiency. Borrowing from mid‑century wrap-around courtyard typologies, the layout shields the home from neighbouring properties while creating a private internal world. Transitioning from the original single‑level brief to a split‑level configuration reduced scale and construction cost while improving amenity – offering elevated views, spatial hierarchy and stronger indoor–outdoor connections. Throughout, the front elevation remained faithful to the original concept, preserving the client’s aesthetic vision and delivering a functional, value‑driven residence.