Finca Talluca: A Currumbin Valley Retreat Where Brutalism Meets Midcentury Poise

Project Info

Project Name: Finca Talluca

Architects: HGA Studio (architecture) & Ellison Studios (interiors)

Location: Currumbin Valley, Queensland, Australia

Cantilevered rooflines and floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolve boundaries between interior and landscape

Set into the rolling greenery of Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland, Finca Talluca is a family home born from the collaboration between HGA Studio and Ellison Studios. It stands as a layered statement—rooted in landscape, shaped by the spirit of mid-century design, and softened by tactile materials and personal curation. This is not a mere architectural project; it is a deeply considered exploration of memory, texture, and belonging.

Rammed-earth walls and sliding glass doors frame intimate courtyard moments within the architecture

Harley Graham of HGA Studio conceived the residence with a bold structural language: rammed-earth walls carve a strong spine through the terrain, while natural stone anchors the house in rock and soil. These robust materials provide both a sculptural presence and a thermal performance, giving the home substance and permanence. The architecture embraces the site’s contours; the home steps into the land rather than simply sitting on it.

Sculptural outdoor furniture beneath deep eaves creates sheltered gathering spaces by the pool

While the tactile strength of the structure presents a powerful silhouette, its geometry remains elegant and precise. Angular openings unfold with origami-like folds, framing the lush surroundings and drawing the eye toward the freshwater creek that edges the property. These portals help to visually merge architecture and nature, creating a layered connection between interior and landscape.

Timber-lined ceilings and spherical lighting anchor an open-plan living area filled with vintage furnishings

Inside, Ellison Studios’ role becomes deeply personal. Leigh McKeown, founder and CEO, curated furnishings in close partnership with the homeowner, Megan Ziems of Grace Loves Lace. Their shared history and trust shape an environment that feels collected, emotional, and curated over time. Vintage pieces sourced from Europe, Mexico, and South America mingle with Ellison Studios’ own designs, giving the home a story that spans continents and decades.

Curved seating and natural textures soften the geometric language of the pavilion-style interior

One remarkable feature is the ‘Float’ sofa—an oversized design whose deep seat invites family gatherings in the sunken lounge. This piece was a non-negotiable for Ziems, and its rounded, sculptural form brings softness to the otherwise geometric architecture. Nearby, a 1970s patchwork leather beanbag, a Brazilian rosewood chair, and a sculptural floor lamp all contribute to a rich layering of material, memory, and design lineage.

Concrete surfaces and warm timber millwork define a minimalist kitchen open to the landscape

Bedrooms reflect a quieter, more intimate tone. Brickwork headboards speak of craftsmanship, while plush fabrics and custom pieces like the Yoko bed and Glove chair from Ellison underscore a sense of comfort and refinement. The furniture selection reinforces the balance between angular architecture and human scale, making the space feel lived in rather than staged.

Floor-to-ceiling timber joinery and sculptural seating create a refined study bathed in filtered light

Outdoor spaces continue the home’s elegant conversation with landscape. Terraced zones step gently toward the creek, offering moments for gathering, contemplation, or play. Steel balustrades and framed outdoor seating provide a sense of structure, while carefully placed planting softens those edges. The overall flow suggests a home that breathes with its environment rather than resisting it.

Layered textiles and timber paneling shape serene bedrooms that balance warmth with restraint

What makes Finca Talluca especially compelling is the emotional clarity at the heart of its design. This is more than a retreat — it is a site of personal expression and architectural collaboration. The use of rammed earth, sculptural geometry, vintage furnishings, and lush landscaping evokes a sense of timelessness. The house does more than serve its inhabitants; it reflects their stories, relationships, and design values in every material choice and spatial moment.

An indoor garden with suspended fireplace blurs the line between living space and nature

In Finca Talluca, HGA Studio and Ellison Studios have created a home that feels grounded and extraordinary, familial and architectural at once. It demonstrates how design rooted in collaboration and material intelligence can produce a space that supports both everyday living and moments of poetic retreat.

PHOTO CREDIT: Anson Smart