A Japanese-Inspired Home That Experiments with Interior Design, Space and Usability (House Tour)

Nestled in the northern suburb of Coburg, Harry House by Archier is a Japanese-inspired home that radiates familiarity and comfort.
As per the clients’ brief, Harry House is a Japanese-inspired home, with Archier incorporating Japanese design into many aspects of the architecture. Originally, the site was a double-fronted pre-war weatherboard cottage; the clients wanted to retain the entry’s warmth but reorientate the living space to frame the green foliage. This allowed the space to be maximised, combining the old and new aspects of the building.
Named after the family dog ‘Harry’, Harry House experiments with interior design, space and usability. The materials were chosen with care, making sure that each element ages well and is robust for family life. The textures celebrate honest carpentry, with materials that are unpolished yet full of life, adding to the atmosphere of the home.
Harry House is centred around family, with bespoke living areas that connect multiple aspects of the home. This includes the soft netted areas located in the voids, allowing the residents to occupy spaces without needing furniture.
Archier’s extension adds new elements of play, specifically in its design references to a childhood treehouse. The client’s Japanese heritage inspired the house, including how the space interplays with natural light and connection to the lush gardens. Located 10 minutes from the Archier Studio, the house has access to the Merri Creek, as well as restaurants on Lygon Street and Sydney Road.
As a Japanese-inspired home, the layout of the bathrooms was important for functionality and design. With separate spaces for the toilet, basin and bathing, it is easy to see how the architecture was influenced by the client’s heritage, honouring the traditional ways Japanese bathrooms are configured.
Having exceeded the clients’ expectations, and taking design inspiration from the client’s Japanese heritage, Harry House by Archier is a sustainable home, ready to raise a young family.
Architecture and Interior Design by Archier.
Filmed and Edited by Dan Preston.
Production by The Local Project.
#JapaneseInspiredHome #Archier #HarryHouse

[@lagritsalammas]

This might be my favourite house I’ve seen on all of youtube. It’s so beautifully made, love the garden wrapping around the building, the light, the colour scheme, the step-down kitchen, the respect for the historic structure, the Japanese-inspired detailing, it’s all very, very beautiful!

[@mpumelelosobazile4785]

1

[@katehipkin1039]

I know it's wonderful isn't it. I really like the way the kitchen is situated as you said. I also really like the original part of the home, the best of both worlds!

[@Peacelily1083]

I couldn't agree more, it's divinely gorgeously yet homey and warm. And it is absolutely wonderful to see people hold on firmly to their culture and embrace it such as these lovely people have done. And isn't it truly awesome to know and see the cleverness of our very own Aussie Designers doing incredible amazing projects. A huge kudos, another Aussie hero!

[@melaniecarmichael]

Agree 💯 . The words he said in the end describes the whole essence of having a home.

[@shuchipareek4315]

My thoughts exactly!! It's like you read my mind!! Yes this an extremely beautiful house!! This family is lucky to live in it!!

[@karli12041]

I bet that house hits different when it rains 😌🌧✨

[@abdullahalbishr]

Wow, that’s true.. emotional atmosphere!

[@zarataku9555]

How does a house hits you 🤔🤔🤔

[@karli12041]

@@zarataku9555 hits you in the feels bro

[@kwekuj641]

@@karli12041 😂😂😂

[@finehomemadewine]

Yes, it has to be lovely to watch ropes of heavy rain falling onto the greenery and slide down the windows. ...Only I was thinking I would have to add some, preferably metal, shutters for hail storms for where I´m living.

[@bgnin]

That contrast between contemporary architecture and traditional furniture that shows its robust age is so beautiful.

[@nnn70]

It’s genius

[@Buitenzorgian257]

Postmodern

[@MarquiaProvost]

I’m

[@alohawaiist]

“Honest” living is so refreshing - well used furniture, honest carpentry. “design for the family to live in, not for filming (ironically)” - so true.

[@TheLocalProject]

Exactly right Misa - glad to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@adhavapriyas8450]

This design is so much more aesthetically pleasing than those that are designed for “filming.”

[@judylloyd7901]

@@TheLocalProject I couldn't watch all the way through. That horrible "music" which would not stay in the background!!! 🤯🤯

[@nadiailmb]

I love the house is named after their dog Harry.

[@TheLocalProject]

The best! 🐶

[@prawiraagung4011]

He's the true owner!

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

Imagine being a kid growing up in this open green house, and then one day having to move out into a small bedroom apartment. It must feel like a prison lol

[@andrewralte4844]

Hah, my thought exactly. Grew up in a sprawling ranch type farmhouse, nothing as fancy as the one in the video. But I can relate to feeling like a prisoner when I first started out.

[@LaVaneBea]

Growing in a tropical climate, indoor/outdoor all the time and then going to a 4 season place...Semi-basement... Yep..

[@iamsimranwadhwani]

True 😭😭😭

[@TheSharkasmCrew]

for some kids the freedom of living on your own is much more liberating than the amenities offered by any house ;)

[@kalp0rter]

Or you've learned to adapt your environment to something like this before moving to that small bedroom apartment and transform it! Gotta be realistic about it, imagine the possibilities of growing in a conductive space like this. (:

[@lisasu7094]

One thing I love so much about most of these projects you're showcasing is how almost all of these architects and clients are so passionate about incorporating nature. It's so beautiful. I live in LA and a whole lot of the houses here are just these blocks of concrete that take up nearly all of the space the ground they're built on allows, and there's no regard for an actual garden. I wish people all around the world would realize how important and beautiful it is to have nature around you, for the environment and yourself. Thank you so much for sharing these videos with us!

[@gramirez72]

I'm in L.A. as well, I totally agree! We would benefit greatly from architects like these. But I think that's starting to change, a little. There are some people that do remodel in a similar way, but they're typically privileged.

[@grainnekeogh7625]

I’m an architect in Ireland- over here, the reason that environment is created is because the fact most housing developments are lead by a developer team whose only considerations is profit. living in the house is just an afterthought. It’s funny though - that whenever good architects design housing schemes and apartments, they sell for more, they improve a whole area, and people who live there notice and care And most importantly- enjoy living there. Hard to explain this to a developer or policy maker who thinks housing is purely Utilitarian.

[@CowboyBike06]

@@grainnekeogh7625 - We need architects to tell the rest of the world via this platform, as you have done, and also magazine articles, published papers, TV shows, write books. Start a YT channel just for this cause and show us the process and outcomes. It can be done. We don’t know, what we don’t know. Thank you so much for sharing this!!

[@JesusISdaonlyway]

I 💯% agree! You may also like this one..I though it was also a stunning example of architecture balancing surrounding nature. That's if you haven't seen it already kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4PEiKutbK50j7c

[@CowboyBike06]

@@JesusISdaonlyway - Thank you for sharing! What an amazing home inside and outside!

[@CLBOO6]

I can only imagine watching a rainy day from inside the house. Heaven.

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@halmedrano]

I watch these kinds of videos all the time and hardly ever comment on them, but this house is astonishingly beautiful. I particularly love the natural materials, with all their textures and quirks. The netted floors are brilliant. Truly, this is a project that blows me away. Congratulations to the designers and may Tania and her family live long and happily in this space.

[@dcmc7383]

As someone who is currently designing her forever/retirement home, I never thought to add steps into my space due to the issues older people have with slips, trips, falls. I want my home to be carer-friendly and easy-to-navigate. However the step- down kitchen is absolutely brilliant in how it seamlessly pulls kitchen and living spaces together. I am currently looking to incorporate something similar but with graded/ramped floor alongside either side of the island instead of an actual step. It will still be usable for many of my family who have vision challenges and even for wheelchair access if needed. It won't be hard-to-navigate when I'm really old and still stubbornly refusing to leave my home. Haha.

[@theaveragemegaguy]

I feel like next time you should zoom out a bit on a lot of the scenes. I felt like I didn’t really see the house at all since everything was so close up. What I did see was great though 👍

[@braria9855]

There's an 8 min video if you search for "Harry house". The commentator is a bit annoying, but it showcases the house much better. Based on the editing of this video I felt like the house is located in more of a forest than based on the longer one, so maybe it was intentional :)

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@jacksonhides482]

Wow, what a stunning home! I love the reverse engineering to design a house that complements the existing garden. It would've been such a shame to have disregarded that and built over it. Beautifully captured.

[@TheLocalProject]

Completely agreed, and the outcome is a testament to the brilliant idea that it is!

[@abigailjoseph4190]

The way this was recommended to me because it’s called the Harry House and I’m a Harry Styles fan LOLOL

[@lucylopez1496]

Is it his house or just a project name ?

[@abigailjoseph4190]

@@lucylopez1496 the project name is Harry’s House, but Harry Styles’ new album is also called Harry’s House so the KZbin algorithm is recommending this video to Harry Styles fans😂

[@ruthp2630]

I just can't get enough of your video production skills, guys! The way you tell the house architecture in a visceral fashion is well-executed, it is like being transported there with you.

[@ravent3016]

Quite perfect - I love that garden being the focus. And that skinny tile in the bath is fabulous.

[@sniperdnc94]

The front cottage was kept humble. The whole house was hugged by lush landscape. It’s scenic. All the little details and choice of materials brought this house “textureful”. Love it!!!

[@Air00]

This is the tree house I never knew I wanted. Such a calm, relaxing place to live. 😍

[@MidoriLetsPlay]

Dreaming of houses i will never be able to afford

[@user-yt5hs1fz7c]

bigger money - bigger troubles, so don't worry too much ;)

[@keywinhomes8969]

Actually, if design right, these type of homes are less expensive to built and maintain than the traditional built.

[@erinskilbrei]

@@keywinhomes8969 But then there’s the design 🙈 Can’t afford to hire an architect

[@grandpaw5357]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYCloniol7eenrc

[@alisonburgess345]

Switch over to the "Never Too Small" channel - you'd be able to afford their places!

[@jean.riddick]

Such a wonderful, peaceful home. I love how it allows light to filter in every room. Providing balance to the greenery and darker fixtures in the environment.

[@katehipkin1039]

It's so beautiful, it's a real work of art. The magic is that it looks amazing but also it's clearly very much a space that caters to real family life. It has such a warmth to it. Personally I love the concrete and the wood combination and the smooth way the glass door moved. I would love to live there!

[@you_smell_like_a_loser569]

I was searching harry styles new album and now I'm here

[@kjaram8455]

Thank you very much for this pleasure! The house is so intelligent, friendy and absolutely "living". Wood and big green leaves were born for each other :)

[@itsmeGeorgina]

The Harry House is beyond gorgeous, it's MAGIC 😊

[@kmm2442]

I just think it calms you down. The project has exceeded all hopes and expectations. That's the best thing you can ask for.

[@adhithibalaji6651]

Ooooh this is simply beautiful!! I love how airy and open the entire design is but the step-down kitchen is hands down the best kitchen idea I have ever come across!!

[@punampathak529]

I love that every room has natural light coming in all the time!

[@barneymd12]

TLP you did it again! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Well done for featuring this beautiful Home! This is what you get for having a great Collaboration between the Homeowner and Architect...

[@mcatherinew4779]

There are no words.... Just dreamy is all I can think of, living in this "Harry House" with adorable Harry.

[@hughkirk3946]

Love it, "Harry's House" and he looks completely at home there. Gorgeous design with tons of light and seemingly, no separation between outside and inside. Awesome.

[@harperwelch5147]

I really like this house. It sits well in the neighborhood, nice street presentation, wonderfully overgrown landscaping, dark building color (which always looks good behind bright greenery), terrific little garden niches that cut into the volume, handsome grey vertical panels with wood strips give the walls a Japanese screen quality, so many successful decisions here. A very good and modest home.

[@TheLocalProject]

We fell in love with this home as soon as we saw it, glad to hear you feel the same way Harper!

[@Marie-oy1bd]

Even the interior walls of concrete with wood is reminiscent of shoji screens. The subtle moments: soothing and breathtaking. Thank you @Arch-R

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@mickamau3373]

Am subjective to the incorporation of Japandi interiors but what I love bout your projects is the consideration of space, the respect of history, and the representation of nature in the designs. Fabulous.

[@ElleAshterra]

I too grew up surrounded by acres of Aussie bushland aplenty to build treehouses with my older brothers. As a consequence, I’ve found no matter where I live there must be plenty of nature to see and interact with 🤩💚 This home, garden, and it’s occupiers are all synergistically aligned. Such a pleasure to watch.

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@Michistrasse97]

I love the Japanese bathroom layout. I used to live in Japan and my apartment had the same layout. I've always thought that I'd want to replicate it if I built a house. So practical!

[@cheriamanja6214]

Even Mrs Tania - the proud owner of this Japanese concepts house - was very impressed with the quality of work by the architects. A beautifully designed house surrounded by stunning garden so cosy & practical for this young family. So lucky for the family & their dog, Harry. It's Harry's house by the way.

[@crystalhealing847]

This house satisfies me no end ...those glass walls showing that jungle outside is just paradise for me and in keeping with my character....well done everybody and thank you for inspiring others to dare .. arigato gozaimashita 🙏💖

[@sean936]

Sooooo many materials in this space and it all works together so well. Im obsessed!

[@dishappywithlife2556]

Gosh the architect, nailed this design. This is so my style, I felt so calm and relaxed watching this. 💕👍🏽💕

[@kimariokiji]

What a bright, beautiful, peaceful and happy house. Even Harry was smiling - lol.

[@cristiantrinca3140]

I love the different reasons architects give when discussing about the "net" design. It's so funny how they try to convince people it's a good idea :)

[@bethperry3613]

"A home for living", and it is. The view from the front door took my breath.

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@ohkayeee2174]

I don't know the exact words to describe but I feel so at home just by watching this. Beautiful design indeed! Definitely in my Top 10 :)

[@thejpkotor]

I love how the house is comfortable and kind of ''Vanishes' into the scenery.

[@peterc6782]

A wonderful design that integrates life in the garden with life inside the home. I also love the way light bathes the rooms and the eye is drawn to the sky view by the high glass. Another wonderful touch is the fine detail integrated into the polished concrete for dog bowl space and to accentuate lines. The earthy interior finishes are just right, if they were more precise they would clash with the ambience of an old home extended. I give this 10/10. Love the video too.

[@seviregis7441]

What a gorgeous home, so serene and natural in feeling, airy and organic. So many cool, innovative moments in there. Great family and doggy too.

[@audeysmith6675]

I absolutely love this house it had the right balance of old and new has such a warm and homey vibe this is the best house I've seen yet !!

[@rubyrose49]

A home that you can live in. This space is absolutely beautiful.

[@ElleCallanan]

A million bravos for this thoughtful, joyful, juicy project. A joy to watch the film, and all the more delighting for the materials chosen and reference to honesty throughout the design. Every corner shines.

[@noreenpenullar19]

Epitome of Tranquility 🌿 I bet the air in there can cleanse my soul. ✨

[@minhhien2571]

I really like the bathroom of this design, it gives me the cozy vibe with that yellow and the combination between the old-fashioned and contemporary facilities is quite cool and intriguing.

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@samlew1806]

This house really feels like an ode to the garden around it like a way to show we can be in nature and not hamper it. GORGEOUS!!

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@charlottehall5191]

The garden draws you out into it. Love Japanese tile in bathrooms.

[@a.e4648]

I know I've commented a lot of "dream house" but this is my *final* dream house.. Swear. Yep.

[@TheWheelofLife100]

It has a warm calming feeling to it.

[@annsmith7207]

The architecture is elegant simplicity at its best !

[@dalladi]

I never knew all I needed in my life was a mix of 🇦🇺 and 🇯🇵.

[@carmengomez-munoz4723]

The house is warm, inviting, beautiful, comfortable, relaxing and innovative house!!!! I absolutely love it !!!!!!

[@zacdredge3859]

This is beautifully designed and I love the attitude of the architect: 'If the client is happy then we're happy'. 😃 Certainly the case that they were well paired with the owner but also just a philosophy that can be absent too often.

[@nickyalexa7744]

Loooove the "rumpus" room with the netting; what a great way to use space in a functional way, instead of just adding more furniture

[@emmahlynreyes6516]

This home is incredible! I love the all the unique elements and attention to detail. Absolutely beautiful.

[@Chocolatmisu]

I loved everything but when it got to the Japanese style bathroom it blew my mind away. I cannot get over it! Love love looooooove!

[@user-yt5hs1fz7c]

Timeless. Simple. Spiritually fulfilling.

[@bjstudio4865]

Exceptionally warm with it's heritage, and yet clean lines and open contemporary ideas. Above all I love the attention to the garden, and the tools they have employed to 'wrap' the elements of green space around the footprint of the house. I can imagine it addresses the senses on multiple levels, which you may think does not translate to film, but I think it has been indicated well in the project lead's explanations, and the frames your film makers have employed here.

[@chuckandmax7313]

What a beautiful house, so many plants, I love it. The Japanese styling is so refreshing and natural. I would really like living there.

[@harrytomlinson1331]

Me clicking thinking this was Harry's house 🏠 😂

[@octavia7408]

This is so beautiful, the felling of how open everything is invites nature into the home. Such a lovely atmosphere. Dream house.

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@rachelz2770]

The plants, the materials, it looks so comfortable

[@andij605]

Well done everyone involved, this house is amazing in every way. From the name to the last piece of furniture.

[@chr0me2]

bro predicted the harry styles album 💀

[@carlyh6913]

This is the best if both worlds! Heritage at the front, modern at the back!

[@gyuyeol1845]

I just came across this video without expecting that this is exactly how I picture my dream house would have to look like 😍

[@divinenonbinary]

Houses for living are the most beautiful to look at and only ones that make sense by definition =))

[@mariaseverine1365]

One of the best houses I have seen

[@yrureadingthisname]

This is my new favourite home on KZbin. The video is wonderfully made as well. Good job!

[@marciabrilhante3184]

Love this home...peaceful, calming, connected to the earth. Yes, I would love it. ❤ and there are not many city homes I would. But this is an exception. 💞🕊

[@faithangeladomingo1311]

THIS HOUSE WAS LIKE "WOW". THIS THIS HOUSE IS INSANE. 😍

[@1Wendy_Woo]

Exquisite style. Love the design emphasis using lots of glass to incorporate outdoor to indoor beauty. This is my Dream home. In~Joy 🏡

[@stucumins8511]

Individual, special and homely. Love your work!

[@avgonyma1]

Yes, the home is incredible, as the owner said! There's nothing more to add. Amazing. The sheer amount of feelings and experiences it enables on a daily basis....you don't need to step out to have a full filled life.....

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@Baaiim]

This is probably the best house I've seen ever

[@TheLocalProject]

Glad you think so Azazel!

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@aspenarbour]

I think people have been so trained to think of lighting as a necessity that it’s never given the design space it deserves. Natural light, or light with closely resembles it, is so important to our mental health in particular; so seeing a house build with such attention to detail in not only the flow of human movement but with attention to the flow of light is refreshing. Another thing that stands out to me is the use of naturally finished materials with robust traditional joinery, and even in the small tiles and narrow boards. Not only does it provide the natural feel, but it is the best way to diffuse light naturally indoors, and can take much of the harshness/focus of artificial away before gently diffusing throughout the rest of the room. Great project Mate! Cheers!

[@chinivysf1231]

Happy harry..bless home..thanks for sharing

[@jamierogers]

I think this is my new favourite home featured on this channel, nicely thought out materials and that wild garden to contrast them. Great video as always!

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@annikalund2329]

I want that bedroom, with that view! Lovely. Who am I kidding? I want that whole house.

[@Mezungmeim]

I think I like this house slot better than many of the architectural houses I have seen in KZbin ... Very eco-friendly and minimal. I also like how he said , house is for living not filming

[@courtil70]

Incredibly beautiful house! Perfect match with the green!

[@marylbullock]

Lovely marriage of nature and structure.

[@Lob00700]

Beautiful, very honest and airy design.. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@mcf5226]

Great light I love the openness to the Greener

[@eileenie6998]

The most fantastic house and space I've ever seen.

[@marieegenaes]

I really love this! So green and lush, modern but friendly 💚💚💚

[@salamista]

Thank you for the subtitles, I wouldn't be able to understand anything without them.

[@Ms.MD7]

What a beautiful home and that dog is adorable 😍

[@finreads]

the amounts of plants are just gorgeous...i’d love to live here wow

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@yveskouassi190]

This is the best channel for architects. Thank you for your contents!

[@narensolanki8894]

Such a sweet and simple design...loved it.

[@amateurprojects4203]

Love the mix of materials and shapes! ❤ Thanks for sharing!

[@cmorsley]

Stunning. So good to see a house with complex relationship to a rambling garden. The usual modern box at the back of the old house with a rectangle of grass surrounded by buxus backed by a pool is so empty of soul. This house embraces the asymmetrical beauty of nature and family life. A house for the living.

[@cuteaesthetic4236]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2OkhKqCrdKLd8k

[@imianco8079]

simply incredible.. that is what good architecture is.. i loved and was inspired by the natural elements. they were so seamless i crave it. looks a refuge! amazing work!

[@chinivysf1231]

I love this house. Blessing 🙏.calm and natural.love it

[@ShizenStyle]

I love the bond with modernity and nature, a real Shizen Style

[@cebsny]

Harry is fabulous😀