In Adelaide’s inner-northern suburb of Medindie, this substantial heritage residence has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally centred around a character home and historic stables, the property now incorporates old and new.

From the street, its heritage presence remains intact. Beyond, the site unfolds into a private retreat defined by strong geometry, natural materials and a clear architectural axis running from the main pavilion to the pool and outdoor structures.

Built by Desyn Homes, the project demanded careful integration of heritage elements with modern construction. The main pavilion houses the kitchen, living spaces, bathroom, sauna and spa. Adjacent sits a burnished concrete pool house. Beyond that, a timber-framed alfresco connects to the restored stable, now a games and entertainment room. A landscaped pathway leads to a separate wellness studio, deliberately set apart from the social zones.

Structural steel had to align with existing masonry. Custom stonework had to run uninterrupted from interior floors to external terraces. The central pool alignment established a precise visual and physical spine through the site, meaning walls, glazing and thresholds required meticulous set-out.

‘There’s a lot happening behind the scenes in a project like this,’ says Desyn Homes’ General Manager Shaun Walker. ‘When you’re working with heritage fabric and complex new forms, every millimetre matters. Sequencing is critical. Communication is critical.’

The build demanded careful integration of heritage elements with modern construction, so Desyn Homes collaborated with Williams Burton Leopardi, an Adelaide-based architecture and interior design practice. Tall volumes draw natural light deep into the pavilion. A sculpted concrete island anchors the kitchen, complemented by natural stone Pendell Filetti Batons.

Bronze steel-framed doors punctuate a soft, earthy palette of warm beiges and stone tones. The material language is consistent, carrying from internal floors out toward the pool, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out.

The spa and sauna areas are integrated within the pavilion, forming a private wellness retreat. Beyond the pool, the alfresco dining space sits beneath a timber structure, softened against concrete and steel elements. Stone-clad balustrades frame arched gates and feature walls, reinforcing the dialogue between heritage and contemporary forms.

The project’s success was recognised at the 2025 HIA South Australian Housing Awards. Desyn Homes claimed Home of the Year for the Robe House project, along with Outdoor Project, Renovation/Addition Project and Outdoor Kitchen. The company also secured Country Home for a separate build.

HIA judges praised the careful balance achieved throughout. ‘This spectacular renovation demonstrates exceptional design sensitivity and attention to detail,’ the judges said. ‘It introduces a modern, functional extension without detracting from the character and integrity of the original stables and heritage home.’

They highlighted the detailing as a defining strength. ‘Internally, the sunken lounge, spa and sauna areas are carefully considered,’ the judges noted. ‘Innovative detailing such as glass pocket doors, concealed hinges and integrated joinery enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

For Shaun Walker, whose company evolved from its beginnings in 2002 to become Desyn Homes in 2010, the project reflects years of refinement and growth.

‘We wanted to create a private retreat within a residential setting,’ he says.  ‘A place where you feel you can switch off the moment you walk in. It had to respect the past, function beautifully and feel effortless.

HOUSING spoke with Shaun to find out more about the vision behind this award-winning property.

Did you have any challenges during the build?

This was an exceptionally detail-driven project, with a high level of customisation throughout. Many bespoke elements and unique colour selections were specified, along with materials used in unconventional ways, such as the large format 1200x600mm tiles within the pool.

These design decisions required careful planning, precise execution and strong coordination onsite. The build demanded patience, innovation and close collaboration between our trades, project manager, architect and clients to achieve the desired outcome. It was certainly more complex than a standard build, but the result reflects the care and commitment invested at every stage.

What are your favourite spaces?

The sunken lounge is a stand-out for us. There’s something powerful about stepping down into the space; it feels warm and inviting. It draws in family and friends while framing sweeping views of the pool and tennis court. From here, you can appreciate the richness of the materials, particularly the batten tile, which adds real texture.

Why did you decide to enter the HIA Awards program?

We’ve always found great value in the HIA Awards program. It provides a respected platform to showcase our work to the broader community and celebrate the collaboration behind each project. South Australia is home to an exceptional standard of builders, so benchmarking ourselves against our peers is important. It ensures we continue to challenge ourselves, refine our craft and deliver quality outcomes for our clients.

How did you feel when you won four awards at the 2025 HIA South Australian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards night?

Absolutely ecstatic! An incredible amount of care and collaboration went into bringing this Williams Burton Leopardi design to life and creating a special space for our clients. To have that recognised at this level – and to take our clients onstage to receive the award – was unreal.

Time to shine

Celebrate outstanding workmanship, innovation and leadership. Entries for the 2026 HIA Awards are now open and close in May 2026. Showcase your work, acknowledge your team and take your place among the industry’s best.

Enter now

First published on 12th March.