Housing led by Country

Koodjal Booka means "Two Skins"

The concept of “two skins” establishes community as the starting point of the design process. The outer skin is formed first through relationships between family, gathering, shared space, movement and Country. These collective conditions create the social and spatial framework from which the architecture develops.

 

Within this framework, the inner skin provides the essential conditions of dwelling, including privacy, safety, shelter, climatic responsiveness and adaptability. The dwelling is not treated as an isolated object, but as a protected place within a wider network of relationships.

 

The space between the two skins is understood as a threshold. It mediates between personal retreat and collective life, allowing privacy and connection to coexist.

Design Begins with Listening

Co-Design

Community knowledge informs every stage of the design process, establishing an ongoing cycle of direction, testing and accountability.

Design Across Scales

From quantum to cosmic, Koodjal Booka understands architecture as a continuum of interconnected scales. Materials and construction establish the physical and environmental foundations of the project. Shelter and architecture translate these decisions into conditions for privacy, safety, comfort and adaptation. Community and urban design consider relationships between households, shared spaces and collective life. Country and geography situate the project within broader cultural, ecological and climatic systems.

 

These scales are not treated as separate disciplines or consecutive stages. Through one integrated collaborative design process, community knowledge connects decisions across every scale. Material detail, dwelling, settlement and Country inform one another, creating architecture that is coherent from its smallest component to its broadest relationship with place.

Acknowledgement of Country

Koodjal Booka begins with Country.

 

Our work begins on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people and extend this acknowledgement to the Traditional Custodians of every Country across Australia, the lands, waters and skies where we live, work, gather and learn.

 

We honour Elders and Knowledge Holders, past and present, who carry culture, Law, lore, language and story, and the young people who will carry them forward.

 

We recognise the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We share a responsibility to listen, respect cultural protocols, care for Country and work together in good relationship.

 

These lands and waters were never ceded.