Designing with Nature: A Q&A with Biophilic Design Award Winner Carolin Friese.

Perched at the edge of a beech forest in Bob’s Cove, Queenstown, Tall Tree House is more than a home - it's a harmonious response to the natural world. We spoke with award-winning designer Carolin Friese about the inspiration, philosophy, and values that shaped this biophilic sanctuary.

What was the original inspiration behind Tall Tree House?

“The inspiration for Tall Tree House came from the site’s incredible natural surroundings - a mature beech forest at the base of a mountain range in Bob’s Cove, Queenstown. I wanted to design a home that would not just sit in the landscape but become part of it - a shelter that offered immersion in nature rather than isolation from it. The goal was to create a tranquil, high-performance retreat that respected the land, responded to its rhythms, and allowed its inhabitants to feel grounded and restored.”

What does biophilic design mean to you?

“To me, biophilic design is about creating spaces that support human well-being by nurturing our innate connection to nature. It’s more than just incorporating plants or natural materials - it’s about aligning architecture with the sensory, emotional, and seasonal rhythms of the natural world. In Tall Tree House, that meant maximizing daylight, using locally sourced and untreated materials, designing for natural ventilation, and integrating views and textures that reflect the forest setting. It’s about designing for harmony - between people, place, and planet.”

How does it feel to win the Living Future Institute of Australia’s Biophilic Design Award in the Interiors and Renovation category?

“It’s incredibly humbling and affirming to receive this award. Biophilic design is deeply personal to me, and this project was a labour of love - not just in terms of aesthetics and performance, but in its careful alignment with cultural and ecological values. To have that commitment recognised by the Living Future Institute, which champions the future of regenerative design, is a real honour. I hope it brings more attention to how smaller homes, even renovations, can lead the way in holistic sustainability.”

How did you ensure a meaningful connection between the built environment and the natural surroundings?

“Every decision in Tall Tree House was made with connection in mind. We used triple-glazed larch windows to frame forest, lake, and mountain views from every room. The materials - like red beech, natural wool insulation, and local stone - mirror the colours and textures of the surrounding beech forest. Indoor greenery, filtered light patterns, and the careful play of shadow and reflection help blur the line between indoors and out. The home is also built on piles, so the land can breathe, and it can be fully disassembled and reused, reducing environmental impact and honouring the Wāhi Tūpuna values of the site.”

What do you hope future generations will feel or discover when they live in or visit the Tall Tree House decades from now?

“I hope they feel a sense of peace - a deep, almost instinctive comfort in being surrounded by nature. I hope the design still feels relevant because it was built to be flexible, low-impact, and rooted in timeless values like sustainability, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship. Ideally, it will serve as a reminder that architecture can be regenerative - not just durable and efficient but also nourishing for the soul. I want them to see that living lightly on the land doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or comfort - it means enhancing it.”