Klaus Moje Residence IV

The owners host often, from big family dinners to friends dropping in on a Friday night, and wanted a house that could handle a crowd without feeling like a function room. The plan centres on a long stone island with seating along one side, so whoever is cooking stays part of the conversation.

Behind the main kitchen, an archway leads to a butler's pantry with a second sink and plenty of bench space, where the real prep and clean-up happen. A powder room off the living areas means guests never need to walk through the bedroom wing. It's a lesson we've learned over years as home builders in Canberra: the best houses for entertaining are planned around the clean-up as much as the party.