My favourite place?

Our bathroom!

Architect Sarah Waller's Blackwood House isn’t just another project – it’s her home. We spoke with the English-born architect, who moved to Australia 20 years ago, about her favourite pieces, thoughtful design and her passion for bathrooms.

What makes us feel comfortable in a house?
True comfort isn’t just about design, it’s about pieces that hold memories. For me, it’s our 25-year-old sofa from B&B Italia, which moved with us from London, or our bed, a constant in every home. Thoughtful design should honour these elements, creating spaces where they naturally belong.

Your Blackwood House is very open. Why is that?
In Australia, openness suits our climate and lifestyle. Unlike Europe, where homes have separate rooms, we prioritise flow and connection. At Blackwood, the kitchen and living area form an open space, with only bedrooms and bathrooms enclosed. To create intimacy, I lowered the living area, defining it as a cozy retreat. This openness also encourages cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling. And yes, we even have a fireplace – rarely needed, but perfect for rainy evenings.

How did you handle the challenges of heavy rain?
Queensland’s subtropical climate makes rain a major design factor. Flat roofs are popular but pose drainage challenges. I didn’t want to disrupt Blackwood’s clean aesthetic with exposed downpipes, so I chose Geberit Pluvia. It uses negative pressure to remove water efficiently, with slimmer pipes hidden within the walls. Typically used in commercial buildings, it was the perfect solution.

Which is your favourite space in the house?
Our main bathroom. It opens to a private courtyard, framed by off-form concrete walls, and was designed around a freestanding bath to create a serene retreat. After a long day, soaking in the tub – even when it’s 30 degrees outside – has become a ritual for my husband and me, a moment to unwind and reflect.

It's not just you who loves your bathroom. Blackwood House has won a number of awards…
(laughs) I often win awards for my bathrooms. I carefully select every detail, from tiles to taps and fixtures. The toilet cistern? Always Geberit. It ensures a seamless, uncluttered look. For me, that’s non-negotiable.

Why Geberit?
In Australia, in-wall cisterns are still seen as a luxury, but I’ve trusted Geberit for over 20 years. My reputation depends on quality, and I won’t compromise. Geberit delivers the sleek, seamless design I strive for, while ensuring long-lasting performance.

Which detail is particularly important to you?
It’s never just one detail – it’s the small, deliberate elements that make a home special. The tapered roofline, the sharp angles of the pool, the way everything connects – each plays a role in creating a cohesive, striking whole.

Header image (©Alyne Media)