Jack Lovel
Jack Lovel is an architectural photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. His work is known for its clean graphic style and timeless quality. Through his photography, he sensitively captures the architect’s intent, honestly representing their vision.
In addition to his commercial work, Jack is working on two book projects focusing on Modernist architecture in Studley Park, Victoria, and Long Island, New York.
The Project
Karijini National Park is a place of grandeur and inviting textures, serving as a sanctuary for slowing down, wandering, and connecting with nature. It offers a rare sense of solitude, with the journey to the end of the gorge leading to the opportunity to cool off in a natural spring. Shadows dance across the landscape, trees grow out of rock faces, and birds and wildlife inhabit the surroundings. This area provides a sense of privacy, free from distractions and clutter. This essence inspired the design of Karijini House, which aims to recreate that feeling of tranquillity and connection to nature in a home.
The vision was to create a sanctuary—a space to recharge, unwind, and socialize—mirroring the experience of being on holiday.
From the street, Karijini House appears unassuming, but upon entering, visitors are greeted by 7-meter-high rammed earth walls and towering glass windows that offer views of the native landscape and a natural pool. The eye is drawn through the space and down to a banded iron boulder, which frames the view beyond. Multiple level changes intentionally divide areas and emulate the changing landscape of navigating a gorge. The tonal palette is organic and simple, featuring natural shades of bronze, taupe, and sand. Face brick is used extensively to create a visual reference to the horizontal banding for which Karijini is famous. At night, the lighting is dim and warm, reminiscent of a campfire’s glow. The design intentionally incorporates task and accent lighting, with ambient light used only for wall grazing and staircase navigation at night. The brick breezeways, employed both internally and externally, create beautiful plays of light, shadows, and reflections. Glass louvre breezeways introduce rainbows into the home.
Karijini House captures the essence of Karijini National Park, blending natural beauty with architectural sophistication. It serves as a sanctuary where nature and design coexist harmoniously, offering a peaceful retreat that inspires relaxation and creativity. With its thoughtful design, organic palette, and versatile spaces, Karijini House stands as a testament to the possibility of bringing the serenity of a holiday into everyday living.”
Architectural Designer: Tenille Teakle