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While the owners really liked the idea of shou sugi ban, they opted for a more cost-effective black stain. The random-width, reverse board-and-batten siding reflects the wabi-sabi concept. “The builder said the math for the random siding was torturous,” the wife said. “We didn’t know how hard it was to make things look simple.” DeNiord planted hay-scented fern and lowbush blueberry sod around the house. “We didn't want any side of the house to feel unconsidered,” he says. As for the local boulders he placed around the house and terrace, he says, “They give the feeling that the house grew up around the outcroppings.”

A 2009 Cedric desk by Kay + Stemmer occupies the study.

The main entry, located off the front courtyard is more practical than grand. The door opens onto a PK15 chair by Poul Kjaerholm and built-in coat cabinets that direct movement to either side of the hall and into the living area.

A club from the Fiji islands is mounted on the wall of the fireplace that divides the living and dining rooms. The dining room—furnished with two Cab chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, a pair of Cowhorn chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, the Barcelona Table by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, and a Y61 stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek—has no windows, but lightwells on either side of the chimney provide brightness. Another design by Wegner, the Chair, peeks out from the dining room.

Large sliding-glass doors open the tiny home to the wooded landscape.

It ain’t easy being green—but these bedding brands passed rigorous environmental certifications with flying colors.

The renovation introduced a new deck, and opened up the living and kitchen areas. “The home is ‘so Warrandyte,’” says builder Hamish White. “It has a great connection with the outdoors, views of trees from most windows, and a homely and familiar feel which makes it really comfortable to be in.”

A pitched roof optimizes the RPA LivingHome 1 for solar panels.

LivingHome 9 is a three bedroom, two and half bath home which is a modernist redux of the classic American farmhouse designed by Plant Design Studio, the in-house design arm of Plant Prefab.

Connect Homes has been building and installing prefab homes - such as this one in Los Angeles - for over a decade.

Connect Homes come with a selection of smart home features as standard, with the option to upgrade to features such as smart, motorized blinds and a smart security system.

A sitting area in the front yard encourages neighbors to stop by for a chat.

The underwater pool window not only adds a touch of whimsy, but helps illuminate the basement.

An upstairs desk can provide a place for Jen’s work or their kids’ homework. When not in use, it disappears into the wall.