Project: Two Rock house
Architects: Wolf Architects
Location: South Australia
Area: 603.86 Square Meters
Photography: Courtesy of Wolf Architects
Perched atop a hill between two imposing rock outcrops, the Two Rock House by WOLF Architects transforms a challenging site into an extraordinary residence. By embracing the terrain’s quirks—from its rugged topography to its underground crevices—the design yields both dramatic vistas and hidden comforts.
Carved into the Earth: A Sunlit Eight‑Car Garage
First, careful geological studies revealed solid bedrock ready to support a spacious basement. Consequently, an eight‑car garage—and even a boat berth—nestles entirely below grade. Moreover, grass‑lined skylights pierce the lawn above, channeling daylight deep into the subterranean level. As a result, artificial lighting takes a backseat, and cars rest beneath a living green roof.
A Double‑Height Music Studio and Cymbal‑Forged Hearth
Next, the rear wing rises into a private two‑story music studio, where the upper floor’s minimal windows ensure acoustic isolation. Nevertheless, a central courtyard floodlight keeps the space feeling open. Below, the main living area unfolds around a fireplace crafted from melted Zildjian cymbals—each brass disc a tribute to the homeowner’s drumming passion. Meanwhile, three circular windows on the front and back façades symbolically echo a drum kit’s cymbals—and represent each family member—while dictating the arrangement of private bedrooms upstairs.
Seamless Entertainment and Automated Living
Furthermore, the ground floor operates as one vast entertainment pavilion. Glass walls slide open onto an infinity‑edge lap pool, whose 25‑meter length reaches toward the horizon. In addition, the pool wraps around play zones with shallow ledges for children. Upstairs, insulated concrete slabs separate living and sleeping areas to achieve perfect soundproofing. Finally, smart‑home automation lets the owners monitor and control lights, security, and climate from anywhere—while a live‑in caretaker in a self‑contained two‑bed apartment ensures the house remains full of life even in their absence.
Together, these elements make Two Rock House a masterclass in site‑responsive design: a home that honors both the raw beauty of its rock formations and the refined rhythms of family life.
