The Hensman

Residential
New Build
2025
Whadjuk
Shenton Park

Builder
Formview Construction

Stylist
Jessica Alice Design

Photographer
Dion Robeson

Videographer
Chad Gerber

Structural Engineer
Constructive Building Consultants

Energy Efficiency Assessor
Northern Aspect Energy Consultants

Building Surveyor
Constructive Building Consultants

Modern house with outdoor patio, two lounge chairs, a small table, and a large potted plant. There is a grassy yard and two trees in front of the house.

Designed for ‘kick your shoes off’ comfort

A thoughtful reworking of a classic Federation home, this Shenton Park residence was designed for a family of five seeking comfort, flexibility and a relaxed, lived-in feel – where shoes kicked off at the door don’t feel out of place. Balancing everyday function with a calm sensibility, ‘The Hensman’ reflects the family’s grounded yet quietly ambitious spirit, offering a natural rhythm that supports the layers of domestic life.

Responding to the client’s desire for spaces with varying degrees of retreat, the house is thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones. The historic front portion is dedicated to the kids, containing three bedrooms and a shared lounge space for gathering and recreation. Natural stone flooring marks the transition to the new addition, where a timber-lined ceiling leads through to an open kitchen and dining space, contrasted by an intimate sunken lounge. Broad sliding doors connect the interior to a generous alfresco, barbeque, and sunken fire-pit area addressing a sculpted, lagoon-style pool – a series of uplifting, adaptable settings for relaxed family time or effortless entertaining. 

Ascending the timber-lined stairs, a serene parent’s retreat gives a sense of floating amidst the treetops. A walk-through robe links the bedroom to a calming ensuite featuring a sculpted shower alcove, freestanding bathtub, and porthole window framing verdant foliage. Clever additions are woven throughout the home, including two study nooks, a hidden bar, and under-stair storage, creating order, ease and harmony in a home designed to evolve as the family does.

Natural, textural materials—including painted brickwork, stone, and timber—flow between exterior and interior, creating a sense of continuity between settings and with the surrounding landscape. Inherently resilient and low maintenance, this palette embraces natural imperfections and the beauty of ageing, while providing a warm, tactile backdrop for the clients’ collection of Australian art – gathered over years of working in the Kimberley.

The home’s generous ceiling heights, carefully positioned windows and skylights work in tandem to draw in abundant natural light and encourage passive ventilation throughout. This sense of openness is amplified by a considered floor plan that creates clear connections between spaces, offering a calm and logical flow – a dramatic departure from the previously disconnected and enclosed layout of the original home’s living spaces.

More than a renovation, The Hensman is a lesson in relaxed liveability. Designed to support the ebb and flow of family life—with its noise, joy, mess, and movement—the home embraces comfort without compromise. Refined but never precious, its honest materials, clever planning, and layered zones of retreat allow every member of the family (including their beloved dog) to feel at ease - an invitation to slow down, settle in, connect, and unwind.

A line drawing of a house with a sloped roof, trees in the background, and a pathway leading to the entrance, with birds flying in the sky.
Modern two-story house with large glass windows, black and white exterior, wooden accents, and outdoor patio area with chairs and table surrounded by grass and trees.
A modern two-story house with large glass windows, a small patio area with two chairs and a small table, a potted plant, and a tree in the yard. The house has white brick walls, dark wood accents, and an outdoor dining area visible inside.
A woman walking with a dog on a patio next to a modern house with a white wall, a tree, and greenery in the background.
Interior view of a modern home with a staircase, wooden ceiling, white brick wall, large plant, and sliding glass doors with white curtains.
Living room with white brick walls, wooden furniture, abstract art on the wall, potted plant on a central table, and two white sofas with brown and beige cushions.
Interior view of a living room with a staircase featuring black vertical metal railings, a wood-paneled wall, a flat-screen TV, a wooden coffee table with decorative items, a light-colored small stool, a large plant, and abstract wall art.
Living room with white brick walls, wooden ceiling, and beige rug. Features two white sofas with neutral pillows, a wooden coffee table with decorative items and a large potted plant. There is a modern floor lamp and abstract artwork on the wall.
Interior of a dining room with a wooden table, chairs, and hanging pendant lights, featuring wood-paneled walls and a gray rug.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a dining table with chairs, a vase with greenery, and a black cat sitting on a rug, looking toward the kitchen area.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a large island with two bar stools, a wooden dining table with a decorative pot, and a large window with white curtains.
Modern kitchen with a wooden island, two bar stools with black seats, large windows with sheer curtains, and some decorative dishes and bowls on the counter.
A bedroom with a bed covered in brown bedding, white sheer curtains on large windows showing trees outside, wooden flooring, a wooden bench with magazines, and abstract artwork on the wall.
Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, round vessel sink, wall-mounted faucet, round mirror, vase with white flowers, tiled backsplash, and a window with horizontal blinds
Modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, circular window showing trees outside, beige and brown tiled walls, and a wooden vanity with a black vessel sink.
Interior view of a modern home with a wooden staircase, wooden ceiling, tiled floor, and large windows with curtains.
Close-up of a modern staircase with wooden steps, concrete support, and black metal railing.
Minimalist modern bathroom with a floating vanity, vessel sink, wall-mounted faucet, and a toilet. There's a tall, narrow window and a walk-in shower area with a glass door.
View from a bedroom into a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, a round window with trees outside, and minimalist decor including a small side table and a towel.
Modern bathroom with round mirror, white vessel sink, wall-mounted faucet, potted plant on counter, and decorative candles.

From the Owners

Working with Janik and the &Dalecki team was such a positive and rewarding experience. From the very first meeting, they approached our project with care and curiosity, taking the time to really understand our family, how we live day to day, and how our home could best support us as our kids grow. That thoughtful approach continued throughout the design process — we always felt heard, understood, and inspired.

One of the biggest strengths of the team was how they took all the complexity and stress out of the journey. Instead of being overwhelmed with endless options, they distilled everything down into clear, simple choices, which made decision-making easy and enjoyable. We got to focus on the fun and creative parts, knowing the details were in safe hands. The team was always available to talk things through and never made us feel like any question was too small or inconvenient.

Beyond the process itself, what stood out most was how genuinely supportive and invested everyone at &Dalecki was. It never felt transactional - it felt like we were collaborating with a group of people who really cared about creating the right home for our family. That warmth and professionalism carried through to the final result — a home that feels not only beautifully designed but perfectly attuned to us as a family. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Susannah + Damien