Project Feature: House 11, Edge Hill by Maxa Constructions

In Edge Hill, Cairns, a new five-bedroom family home takes its cues from the street around it. House 11 was designed by Kelder Architects and built by Maxa Constructions, a boutique Far North Queensland builder with an architectural focus. The result is a modern tropical home that feels at ease in its neighbourhood.

A home shaped by its setting

House 11 sits in a Neighbourhood Character zone, and the design respects that. Timber construction and corrugated rooflines draw on the traditional Queenslander. The detailing is clean and minimal, with natural timber finishes throughout.

The plan is organised around a central courtyard. Large sliding doors and louvred windows let air move through every room. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining area extends to a covered alfresco, terrace and pool. Maxa Design consulted on Passive House principles for the project, looking at how that approach can work in a tropical climate.

Furnishing for light, air and timber

A home this open calls for furniture that sits quietly alongside timber and natural light. The palette across House 11 stays soft and grounded: muted greens, warm oak, off-whites and earthy browns.

In the living areas, the Stretch Angled Corner Sofa in Fossil Eucalyptus brings a soft green that connects the interior to the garden. The Sidney Slipcover 4 Seater Sofa in Silex Off White adds a relaxed, tailored note. The Lark Swivel Armchair in Copenhagen Grey and the Roll Large Ottoman in Copenhagen Off White round out the seating. Underfoot, Wyatt in Alfalfa, Arwyn in Dove and Pure in Cocoa layer texture and tone. The Trim Entertainment Unit in Oak keeps the timber story going.

The dining area centres on the Gather Dining Table in Oak, a 240cm table with room for the whole family. Eight Henri Dining Chairs in Oak and Tan Leather surround it. The Quart Console Table in Oak adds a considered surface nearby.

Living outdoors

In the tropics, outdoor living is part of daily life. The Burnett Outdoor Living and Dining Packages in Eucalyptus furnish the alfresco, with the same soft green tone carried from inside. A pair of Indra Outdoor Sun Lounges in Pebble Stripe finish the outdoor setting.

The finishing details

Smaller pieces complete the home. The Border Cushion in Fossil Chocolate and Fossil Fawn and the Hem Cushion in Marnie Stripe Coconut add softness. The Nought Object in Forest Brown, Form Vase in Haze, Terrace Vase in White, Pod Bud Vase in Nut and Billie Planter in Umber bring texture to shelves and surfaces. The Flex Wall Hook in Oak adds a functional detail.

House 11 shows what happens when builder, architect and place work together. It’s a family home designed for the climate, built with care and furnished to be lived in.

Architecture: Kelder Architects. Builder: Maxa Constructions. Passive House consultant: Maxa Design.