At Fublis, our Design Dialogues series is dedicated to showcasing the innovative minds shaping the future of architecture and design. Through in-depth conversations, we celebrate the achievements of industry leaders and explore their unique perspectives, offering invaluable insights that inspire both peers and emerging talent.

In this edition, we feature Zaher Architects, a firm known for its bold, high-quality designs that seamlessly integrate environmental sustainability. Based in Byron Bay, Zaher Architects is deeply committed to creating architecture that is not only aesthetically striking but also harmoniously attuned to its natural surroundings.

In our conversation, we explore how the firm navigates the balance between innovation and ecological responsibility, the thoughtful material choices behind their signature projects, and the evolving role of architecture in response to societal and environmental changes. Through projects like La House, Federal Residence, and Coopers Shoot Residence, Zaher Architects demonstrates how contemporary design can be both expressive and sustainable, redefining the way we experience built spaces.

Join us as we delve into the philosophy and creative process behind Zaher Architects’ work, gaining a deeper understanding of their approach to contextual, high-performance architecture that shapes the future while respecting the past.

Zaher Architects blends bold, high-quality architecture with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. How do you strike a balance between innovation and ecological responsibility in your projects, particularly in the Byron Bay region with its strong environmental consciousness?

Sam Zaher: At Zaher Architects, we believe that bold, high-quality design and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive—they enhance each other. Our approach begins with a deep understanding of Byron Bay’s unique climate, topography, and ecological sensitivities. Every project we design is guided by a philosophy of minimal environmental impact, long-term efficiency, and a strong connection to place.

We strike this balance by integrating bioclimatic principles, passive solar design, and sustainable materials with cutting-edge architectural innovation. Our designs harness natural light, optimize cross-ventilation, and use thermal mass to reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling. We prioritize responsibly sourced, low-carbon materials, and we work closely with local craftspeople and builders to ensure precision and sustainability in execution.

Innovation also comes through in our approach to functionality—designing homes that evolve with their owners while maintaining a light footprint. From water-sensitive urban design to renewable energy integration, we ensure that our projects are both architecturally striking and environmentally responsible. In a region as environmentally conscious as Byron Bay, our goal is to create homes that are not only visually inspiring but also deeply attuned to the natural world, setting a new standard for sustainable living without compromising on bold, contemporary design.

The design of La House embodies a bold yet elegant aesthetic, with sculptural steel and a striking rammed earth wall. How did you balance these raw, expressive materials with the need for a warm, livable home?

Sam Zaher: The LA House is a testament to the power of raw, expressive materials in creating a home that is both bold and deeply livable. At the heart of the design is the interplay between sculptural steel elements and the tactile warmth of rammed earth—a material that not only grounds the home in its natural surroundings but also offers exceptional thermal performance and a timeless aesthetic.

Balancing these elements required a careful orchestration of material contrasts. The solidity and texture of the rammed earth walls provide a sense of permanence and warmth, absorbing and releasing heat to naturally regulate the indoor climate. Meanwhile, the sculptural steel introduces a sense of lightness and refinement, offering structural strength while allowing for expansive openings that frame views and flood the interiors with natural light.

To enhance the livability of the space, we complemented these raw materials with warm timber finishes, soft furnishings, and carefully curated lighting. The home’s layout was also designed to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing a sense of openness and comfort. The result is a home that feels grounded yet airy, bold yet inviting—a perfect balance of architectural expression and everyday livability.

The home is designed with two distinct ‘apartments’ over two floors to offer privacy and adaptability. What were the key design considerations in creating a space that is both cohesive as a single home and functionally separate when needed?

Sam Zaher: Designing the LA House as a cohesive yet functionally separate home required a careful balance between spatial fluidity and privacy. The key design consideration was ensuring that the home could seamlessly function as a unified residence while allowing for distinct zones that offer independence when needed.

We achieved this by thoughtfully organizing the two levels around a central architectural narrative—maintaining visual and material continuity while defining clear functional boundaries. The upper level, designed as the primary living space for the main occupants, embraces openness with expansive glazing, natural light, and strong connections to outdoor spaces. In contrast, the lower level, designed for guests and visiting friends, provides a more private retreat, with its own entry, amenities, and access to garden spaces.

Material consistency was essential in tying the two levels together. The raw beauty of the rammed earth walls flows through both floors, grounding the design in a warm, tactile experience. Additionally, the circulation strategy—whether through a sculptural staircase or carefully placed openings—ensures an intuitive connection between the spaces without compromising privacy.

By embedding adaptability into the design, the LA House can function as a dynamic, multi-generational home—intimate when occupied by just the owners, yet effortlessly accommodating guests. The result is a residence that is both unified in its architectural expression and flexible in its use, responding to the evolving needs of its inhabitants.

You have a strong local presence in Byron Bay and the surrounding Hinterland, which comes with unique geographical and regulatory considerations. How does your deep understanding of the local topography, climate, and council policies shape the way you design homes?

Sam Zaher: Having lived and practiced in Byron Bay for nearly two decades, we have developed a deep, intuitive understanding of the region’s unique climate, topography, and regulatory landscape. This local expertise allows us to design homes that not only respond to the natural environment but also navigate council regulations efficiently, ensuring a smooth process for our clients.

Our designs are shaped by Byron Bay’s subtropical climate, where high humidity, strong sun, and coastal conditions demand thoughtful material selection and passive design strategies. We prioritize orientation, natural ventilation, and thermal mass to create energy-efficient homes that remain comfortable year-round with minimal reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

The diverse geography—from beachfront sites to steep hinterland slopes—requires a site-specific approach. We work with the land rather than against it, designing homes that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings, minimizing excavation and environmental impact while maximizing views and privacy.

Beyond design, our longstanding relationships with council staff, planners, and trusted local builders ensure that our projects are well-executed and aligned with both regulatory requirements and our high standards of craftsmanship. Clients engaging Zaher Architects benefit not only from our creative vision but also from our deep local knowledge and strong industry connections, ensuring their home is both architecturally outstanding and perfectly suited to its environment.

The design of Federal Residence is described as a modernist sculpture within a provincial Australian landscape. How did you navigate the challenge of integrating such a strong, geometric architectural form into a natural setting while maintaining harmony with its surroundings?

Sam Zaher: The Federal Residence was designed as a bold modernist statement within a lush, provincial Australian landscape—an intentional juxtaposition of geometric precision against organic surroundings. The challenge was to integrate this strong architectural form into the natural setting while maintaining a sense of harmony rather than discord.

We achieved this balance by carefully considering proportion, materiality, and spatial composition. The house, conceived as a black-and-white geometric sculpture, was designed to “sit within” rather than “on” the landscape, with strategic positioning that allows it to feel grounded in its environment. The interplay of interwoven forms creates depth and shadow, helping the structure respond dynamically to the changing light and seasons.

The large stone wall serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, acting as an anchoring element that connects the home to the earth while guiding movement through the space. Meanwhile, the contrast between crisp, linear architecture and the soft, organic surroundings was further refined through landscaping, ensuring that the home does not overpower its setting but instead creates a compelling dialogue with it.

To reinforce the sculptural quality of the residence, Zaher Architects also designed bespoke furniture pieces, further blurring the line between architecture and art. The result is a home that stands confidently as a modernist sculpture while remaining deeply connected to the natural world—a striking yet balanced response to both client vision and site context.

The interplay between man-made forms and nature seems to be a central theme in this project. What strategies did you use to ensure the house remains visually striking while also feeling connected to the organic landscape around it?

Sam Zaher: The Federal Residence is a study in contrast—where bold, man-made geometry meets the fluidity of nature. To ensure the house remains visually striking while still feeling connected to its organic surroundings, we employed several key design strategies.

First, we embraced a strong, minimalist form—a black-and-white composition of interwoven geometric shapes—that stands as a deliberate counterpoint to the lush landscape. However, rather than isolating the home from its environment, we used materiality and spatial design to create a meaningful dialogue between the two. The use of a grounding stone wall helps root the structure in the landscape, while expansive glazing and framed openings establish seamless visual and physical connections to the outdoors.

The home’s spatial arrangement was also carefully considered to enhance its integration with nature. The orientation maximizes views and natural light while providing a balance between openness and enclosure. Landscaping plays a crucial role as well—by allowing native plantings to weave around the structure, we softened the edges of the architecture, creating a layered relationship between the built and natural environment.

Additionally, bespoke furniture designed by Zaher Architects extends the sculptural language of the house into the interiors, reinforcing the sense that the entire project—both architecture and furnishings—exists as a curated, cohesive response to its setting. Ultimately, the home’s striking presence is not at odds with its environment but rather enhances it, demonstrating that bold architecture and nature can coexist in an expressive yet harmonious way.

With your extensive experience in Sydney’s large-scale public projects and now leading a boutique firm, how has your approach to architecture evolved? Has working in a smaller, close-knit community influenced your design philosophy in ways that working in a metropolitan environment did not?

Sam Zaher: My journey from working on large-scale public projects in Sydney—such as the Olympic Village in Homebush Bay and the Walsh Bay Precinct—to leading a boutique firm in Byron Bay has deeply influenced my approach to architecture. While the scale of work has shifted, the core principles remain the same: a commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and crafting spaces that enhance the human experience.

In a metropolitan environment, projects are often shaped by complex urban dynamics, large teams, and broader infrastructure considerations. Working at that scale honed my ability to navigate intricate planning processes, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and design for diverse public needs. However, leading a boutique practice in a smaller, close-knit community has allowed me to take a more personal, hands-on approach to design.

At Zaher Architects, being small is a strength—we engage with a limited number of clients at a time, ensuring that each project receives my direct involvement from concept to completion. This level of personal connection fosters deeper collaboration, allowing us to create homes that are truly tailored to our clients’ lifestyles, values, and the natural environment.

Living and working in Byron Bay has also reinforced my sensitivity to context—both environmental and cultural. The community’s strong environmental consciousness has further refined my approach to sustainable, site-responsive design. Here, architecture isn’t about making grand statements; it’s about creating meaningful, enduring spaces that sit harmoniously within their surroundings while pushing creative boundaries.

Ultimately, transitioning from large-scale projects to a bespoke architectural practice has been an evolution in focus rather than philosophy. It has allowed me to apply the same design rigor and innovation to more intimate, finely crafted spaces—where every detail matters and where architecture has the power to deeply enhance the way people live.

The Coopers Shoot Residence beautifully integrates indoor and outdoor living while maintaining a sense of luxury. What were the biggest design challenges in creating this seamless connection, and how did you resolve them?

Sam Zaher: The biggest challenge in designing the Coopers Shoot Residence was achieving a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining a strong sense of luxury and livability. Given the home’s ridgetop location, we needed to balance openness to the breathtaking views with the need for shelter and climate adaptability, ensuring comfort throughout the seasons.

To achieve this, we employed a series of design strategies. First, we carefully framed views, using expansive glazing and strategic openings to bring the landscape into the home without overwhelming the interiors. The transition between inside and outside was further softened through rooftop gardens and outdoor living areas that feel like natural extensions of the home, blurring the boundary between built form and nature.

Another key consideration was functionality—designing adaptable spaces that respond to shifting weather conditions while maintaining effortless operability. Large sliding doors, operable louvres, and sheltered outdoor zones allow the family to modulate airflow, sunlight, and privacy, ensuring optimal living conditions year-round. The use of natural materials and a restrained palette further enhances the sense of continuity, creating a home that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Ultimately, the success of the Coopers Shoot Residence lies in its ability to celebrate the magic of the region—allowing the spectacular landscape to remain the signature feature while delivering a refined, low-maintenance home that effortlessly supports a relaxed, yet sophisticated, lifestyle.

The rooftop garden is a defining feature of this project, blending the home into the landscape while offering bioclimatic benefits. Could you elaborate on how this strategy contributes to sustainability, energy efficiency, and the overall experience of the residents?

Sam Zaher: The rooftop garden at the Coopers Shoot Residence is not just a striking design feature—it plays a crucial role in enhancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and the overall experience of the residents. By integrating nature into the home at an elevated level, the roof garden creates a seamless visual connection to the surrounding hills and paddocks, allowing the occupants to feel immersed in the landscape even from the upper floors.

From a bioclimatic perspective, the green roof provides a natural buffer between the exterior environment and the home’s interior. By shading the concrete roof during the day, it significantly reduces heat absorption, keeping indoor spaces cooler and reducing the need for artificial cooling. In winter, it helps insulate the home by minimizing heat loss, maintaining a stable internal temperature.

The garden also plays an important role in water management. It captures and absorbs heavy rainfall, reducing stormwater runoff while protecting the waterproofing membrane from harsh environmental elements, ultimately extending the roof’s lifespan.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the rooftop garden enhances the living experience by bringing nature to the second storey. The sensation of being surrounded by greenery—whether from the master bedroom, bathroom, or outdoor terraces—creates a sense of tranquility and connection to the landscape. This integration of nature at all levels of the home reinforces the project’s overarching philosophy: a harmonious balance between architecture, sustainability, and the beauty of Byron Bay’s natural environment.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the role of architecture evolving in response to the changing needs of society, technology, and the environment—and how does your firm position itself to shape this future?

Sam Zaher: Architecture has always been a profession that shapes societies, cities, and the built environment, responding to cultural shifts, technological advancements, and environmental challenges. As these forces continue to evolve, architects must remain adaptable, forward-thinking, and deeply attuned to both human needs and ecological responsibilities.

At Zaher Architects, we see the future of architecture as one that embraces both innovation and sustainability. As a boutique practice, we are uniquely positioned to be agile—continuously educating ourselves, staying informed about emerging technologies, and integrating progressive design solutions. We recognize that AI and digital advancements are transforming the way we design, analyze, and construct buildings, offering new ways to optimize energy efficiency, material use, and spatial planning. By embracing these tools, we can enhance our ability to create intelligent, high-performance homes that are both aesthetically compelling and environmentally responsible.

Beyond technology, we believe that the architect’s role will continue to be deeply human-centered. The way people live and interact with spaces is changing—whether due to climate adaptation, evolving work-life dynamics, or shifts in urban and regional development. Our approach is to remain highly engaged with these societal changes, working collaboratively with like-minded professionals to deliver solutions that are both visionary and practical.

Moving forward, Zaher Architects remains committed to designing with purpose—crafting spaces that are resilient, adaptive, and deeply connected to their natural and cultural contexts. By staying curious, informed, and responsive, we aim to shape a future where architecture not only meets the needs of today but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow.