52 Empire Circuit, Forrest, ACT 2603

Winner of the Canberra Medallion, the Gene Willsford Award, HIA Project of the Year, and a National Commendation at the 2019 National Architecture Awards, Empire House stands as one of Canberra's most celebrated residential designs.

Set on a generous 941m² block along a beautiful tree-lined street in the prestigious suburb of Forrest, this extraordinary 3 - 4 bedroom residence offers a rare opportunity to own an internationally recognised piece of Australian architecture.

Designed by the acclaimed Melbourne practice Austin Maynard Architects, Empire House reimagines a charming inter-war bungalow through thoughtful, contemporary additions that respect the past while embracing modern living. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the architects chose a more considered approach - carefully crafting two elegant pavilions that extend the home into its established garden.

The result is a home that balances heritage character, exceptional craftsmanship, and sustainable design.

A Home Designed for Living

Spanning approximately 233m², the residence unfolds through a series of beautifully connected spaces where old and new architecture meet in quiet harmony.

Highlights include:

*Garden living pavilion with dramatic north-facing roof window and operable louvres capturing winter sun
*Private bedroom pavilion wrapped in exquisite hand-finished white metal shingles
*Original inter-war living room featuring preserved fireplace, picture rails and period detailing
*Blackbutt timber lining and refined bespoke joinery crafted by master builders
*Seamless indoor-outdoor flow into a mature, landscaped garden designed for all seasons
*Every element of the home celebrates detail and craftsmanship - from the mathematically aligned hand-fixed shingles to the cleverly integrated concealed box gutters and custom rain head.

Sustainability with Intelligence - Empire House was designed specifically for Canberra's seasonal climate, using passive design principles to maximise comfort while reducing energy demand.

Features include:

*Passive solar orientation with north-facing glazing
*Double-glazed windows and high-performance insulation
*Thermal mass concrete slab to store winter heat
*Passive ventilation and shading systems
*Rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation and toilets
*Extensive garden space improving site permeability and cooling

By retaining and enhancing the original home rather than replacing it, the project demonstrates a deeply sustainable approach to contemporary living.

Empire House is more than a residence - it is a piece of architectural history, widely published and recognised by the profession as an exemplar of thoughtful suburban design.

As the Canberra Medallion jury concluded:
"Empire is a refreshing experiment in quality over quantity, with value placed on craftsmanship and detailing to create highly liveable spaces inside and out for all seasons."

Property Summary:

*Award-winning architect-designed residence
*Prestigious Forrest location
*Approx. 233m² internal area
*941m² landscaped block
*Two contemporary pavilions integrated with original bungalow
*Passive solar design and sustainable systems
*Exceptional craftsmanship throughout

Empire House offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of Australia's most celebrated homes - where architecture, sustainability and timeless design come together.

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Type

House

Bedrooms

4

Bathrooms

2

Area

941 m²

House Size

226 m²