KUBO ESTOESTA

Grounded in thoughtful architecture, KUBO Estoesta designs spaces defined by purpose, people, and place.

Kubo is a Filipino word meaning a small, simple hut, most commonly associated with the bahay kubo — a traditional home made from natural materials and designed to respond intelligently to climate, place, and everyday living.

Embracing my Filipino heritage and my commitment to residential architecture, I began KUBO Estoesta as a practice focused on designs that are carefully considered, well resolved, and genuinely suited to those who occupy them.

THE LIGHTKUBO

My name is Kathleen. I am a registered architect specialising in residential architecture, with experience spanning high‑end private homes through to multi‑residential developments. At the core of my practice is a simple belief: everyone is entitled to good design. I approach every project with this philosophy, designing spaces that are carefully considered, responsive, and genuinely suited to the people who occupy them.

BOXED-IN KUBO

This concept uses built in joinery to define and separate spaces while reducing the need for full height walls, allowing most areas to gain additional usable floor space. Wet areas, including the bathroom and powder room, remain fully enclosed for privacy and functionality. The layout comprises three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a powder room, with bedrooms comfortably accommodating queen and double beds. The kitchen is anchored by a central island that transitions into a dining table, while concealed laundry storage supports a clean plan. Living spaces extend to an outdoor terrace, creating a seamless indoor outdoor connection.

FRAMED KUBO

This concept explores the framing of doorways as a design strategy to create visual depth and a heightened sense of arrival at each room. The layout includes two bedrooms accommodating queen size beds, a study, and two bathrooms, with both bedrooms opening onto private outdoor terraces. An existing driveway gate is removed to improve privacy for occupants. Bedroom 2 connects to a flexible study that converts into a guest room with a pull down double bed. Built in banquette seating allows for a generous dining table, while living areas extend to an outdoor terrace overlooking a landscaped garden. Joinery is integrated throughout to minimise loose furniture.

ELONGATED KUBO

This concept responds to the elongated proportions of the site, using the linear layout as a guiding design principle. The three bedroom, two bathroom arrangement departs from more contained layouts, organising the home into clearly defined private and common zones. The private areas are discreetly located and accessed via a central corridor, with Bedroom 1 positioned to the north, enjoying private terrace access and an ensuite. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are inter connected, allowing flexibility to function as one or two separate rooms. Common living spaces run parallel to the outdoor terrace, strengthening the connection between interior and exterior.

My work is guided by listening closely to clients and thoroughly understanding each site and brief. I explore multiple design options throughout the design process, testing ideas, layouts, and spatial arrangements to ensure the final outcome is both thoughtful and appropriate. This iterative approach allows strong design intent to be balanced with practical, buildable solutions, resulting in designs that function well, feel resolved, and look timeless.

FLUTED KUBO

The brief is for a thoughtfully resolved alteration and addition to an existing family home, providing three bedrooms, a study, and generous spaces for everyday living and entertaining. The design responds to the site’s natural slope, using a tiered split level arrangement. The back of house areas are carefully tucked away, allowing uninterrupted views and a continuous spatial connection across the living, dining, and pool areas.

FLUTED KUBO

The brief is for a thoughtfully resolved alteration and addition to an existing family home, providing three bedrooms, a study, and generous spaces for everyday living and entertaining. The design responds to the site’s natural slope, using a tiered split level arrangement. The back of house areas are carefully tucked away, allowing uninterrupted views and a continuous spatial connection across the living, dining, and pool areas.

Alongside professional practice, I maintain a strong connection to education and mentoring, with particular focus on issues of housing affordability and social responsibility within residential design. Through cross‑disciplinary initiatives and applied design projects, I have contributed to conversations around how architecture can respond more thoughtfully to current housing challenges.

THE LAYERED KUBO

The brief was for a young family seeking a contemporary home with a sense of warmth and comfort. The design responds through a considered alteration and addition to a single storey dwelling, introducing an upper level parents’ retreat overlooking the backyard. Careful spatial planning addresses the constraints of the long, narrow site, balancing planning requirements with the ambitions of the brief. The concept of layering is expressed through articulated timber battens, which define the rear elevation and add depth and texture to the built form.

THE LAYERED KUBO

The brief was for a young family seeking a contemporary home with a sense of warmth and comfort. The design responds through a considered alteration and addition to a single storey dwelling, introducing an upper level parents’ retreat overlooking the backyard. Careful spatial planning addresses the constraints of the long, narrow site, balancing planning requirements with the ambitions of the brief. The concept of layering is expressed through articulated timber battens, which define the rear elevation and add depth and texture to the built form.

THE LAYERED KUBO

The brief was for a young family seeking a contemporary home with a sense of warmth and comfort. The design responds through a considered alteration and addition to a single storey dwelling, introducing an upper level parents’ retreat overlooking the backyard. Careful spatial planning addresses the constraints of the long, narrow site, balancing planning requirements with the ambitions of the brief. The concept of layering is expressed through articulated timber battens, which define the rear elevation and add depth and texture to the built form.

How I Work

At every stage, my approach is clear communication, detailed documentation, and a thoughtful process that supports you from initial ideas through to a well designed, completed project.

Understanding The Site and Brief

Every project begins with a careful understanding of the site and its context. I review site conditions, planning parameters, and constraints to establish a clear foundation for the project, identifying opportunities that will inform a thoughtful and well‑resolved design from our initial meeting.

Exploring Your Ideas

Building on this understanding, I work closely with you to discuss your goals, priorities, and aspirations. These conversations are translated into early design ideas through sketches, drawings, and simple plans that explore different options and directions.

Refining the Design

Once a preferred direction is agreed, the design is refined to ensure it works both practically and visually. This stage focuses on spatial planning, material selection, and detailing, with close attention to how the spaces will feel and function in everyday use.

Planning and Approvals

As the design is resolved, I prepare the drawings and supporting documents required for council and building approvals. This includes site analysis, streetscape studies, shadow diagrams, and clear design statements that demonstrate a considered response to context and regulations.

Documentation and Coordination

With approvals underway, I liaise with engineers and relevant consultants that allow me to prepare clear, detailed construction drawings that accurately communicate the design intent for the next stage.

Builder Selection and Construction

I guide you through selecting a builder and finalising the contract, managing the tender process and negotiations on your behalf. During construction, I administer the contract, visit site regularly, and coordinate communication ensuring the project is delivered as intended and keeping you informed from start to completion.

Contacts

Every project begins with a conversation. Get in touch to discuss a considered approach to your project.

Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: +61 411 815 794
Email: info@kuboestoesta.com

Registered member of:
Architects Registration Board Victoria.
Australian Institute of Architects.
ArchiTeam Cooporative.
Parlour Collective.