What on first inspection is an unassuming 1950s home takes an award-winning architectural turn, making ‘Cycad House’ like nothing else Kilburn has seen before and everything you never knew you wanted.

Completed in just 2021, it’s as if RAD Studio’s head architect Chris Rowlands and client/owner were meant to meet, creating a home that draws on a series of internal courtyards and prolific windows to make its interior a highly functional gallery to its gardens.

And it’s something to behold.

The impressive transition from the fully renovated original home to the boldly contrasting addition is marked by a timber-clad foyer, as northern light suddenly rushes through the lofty 45-degree angled windows to warm the exposed concrete under foot.

Like every last piece here, nothing comes by chance in this highly efficient and solar powered home with passive thermal qualities, soaring voids, custom joinery and a strong, sleek solute to brutalist architecture, softened by the greenery that envelops almost every space.

The galley kitchen —featuring a striking black-on-black colour scheme, low-profile porcelain benchtops, breakfast bar and butler’s pantry — is a triumph in form as well as function and frames the Japanese Maples of the central courtyard like a huge work of art on the wall.

Whether it’s the ensuite and main bathroom, the solid and see-through steel staircase leading to the mezzanine and upper-level courtyard or the breeze blocks, blade feature fencing, shade house and pond of the rear yard, the attention to detail is to be studied, savoured and celebrated. Some of Australia’s most prolific architectural publications already have.

‘Cycad House’ really is something else.

Features to love:

– A multi award-winning transformation/addition
– Original 1950s section stylishly updated by RAD Studio
– Powerful 12KW solar system
– Flexible floor plan with mezzanine/4th bedroom
– Custom joinery/storage throughout
– Reverse cycle temperature control
– Electronic gated entry, carport and plenty of off-street parking
– Double glazed windows throughout
– Large separate laundry and study nook
– Walk-in robe and ensuite to master bedroom
– Multiple alfresco zones, including pavilion and upper level courtyard
– Professionally landscaped gardens, with shade house and concrete bench seating to rear
– Designer feature lighting
– Just a 15-minute drive from Adelaide Oval
– Walking distance from public transport
– Moments from Prospect Road’s buzzing cafe/restaurant precinct