The Art of Belonging: How Alex Urena Redefines Home Design in Australia
There’s something profoundly moving about a designer who doesn’t just build houses but crafts homes that belong. Alex Urena, a building designer with roots in Peru and a heart in Australia, has spent 25 years doing just that. His new coffee table book, Alex Urena Design Studio: 20 Australian Homes, isn’t just a portfolio—it’s a manifesto on how architecture can harmonize with place, people, and purpose.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Urena’s journey from Lima, a bustling metropolis of 10 million, to Bulli, a quiet corner of the Illawarra region. Personally, I think this transition speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and innovate. Moving from a city where architecture often competes for space to a region where nature and community reign supreme must have been a masterclass in rethinking design.
The Philosophy of Belonging
Urena’s work is rooted in the idea that homes should belong—not just to their owners, but to their surroundings. This isn’t a new concept, but Urena’s execution is where it gets interesting. Take his Autumn House in Wollongong, for example. In a more urban setting, he transformed the home into a private oasis, a stark contrast to his coastal projects that embrace their natural surroundings. What this really suggests is that belonging isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s about understanding the unique dialogue between a home and its environment.
One thing that immediately stands out is Urena’s emphasis on customization. In an era where cookie-cutter designs dominate, his commitment to tailoring each project to the family’s needs and the site’s context is refreshing. From my perspective, this approach isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that resonate emotionally and functionally.
The Illawarra as Muse
The Illawarra region, with its stunning coastline and escarpment, has clearly become Urena’s muse. But what many people don’t realize is how much the region has changed since he arrived in 2010. As a designer, Urena hasn’t just witnessed this transformation—he’s been an active participant. His projects, like the Coledale home, showcase how design can navigate challenges while staying true to the area’s essence.
If you take a step back and think about it, Urena’s work is a testament to the power of place-based design. The Illawarra isn’t just a backdrop for his homes; it’s a collaborator. This raises a deeper question: How often do we see architects and designers truly engage with their surroundings instead of imposing their vision on them?
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Home
The book itself is a revelation. While social media gives us a glimpse of the final product, Urena pulls back the curtain to reveal the process—the sketches, the challenges, the inspiration. A detail that I find especially interesting is his inclusion of hand-drawn sketches. In an age dominated by digital renderings, this feels like a love letter to the tactile, human side of design.
What makes this book more than a vanity project is its honesty. Urena doesn’t shy away from discussing the hurdles of each project, whether it’s navigating urban constraints or balancing client needs with environmental considerations. This transparency is rare in the design world, and it’s what makes the book so compelling.
A Broader Perspective: Design as Responsibility
Urena’s work isn’t just about creating beautiful homes—it’s about stewardship. As he puts it, designers are inherently part of the change in their regions. This responsibility to ensure that homes stay in sync with their surroundings is something I wish more professionals would embrace. In a world grappling with urbanization and environmental degradation, Urena’s approach feels both timely and timeless.
From my perspective, his career is a reminder that design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating legacies. Each home he builds becomes part of the fabric of the Illawarra, a testament to the idea that architecture can be both personal and communal.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Reflection
The book is, at its core, a celebration of reflection. Urena’s decision to pause, look back, and document his journey is a rare act in a field that often prioritizes the next project over the last. Personally, I think this reflects a maturity in his practice—a willingness to acknowledge not just the successes, but the lessons learned along the way.
If you’re someone who believes that homes should tell stories—not just of their inhabitants, but of their place in the world—then Urena’s work will resonate. It’s a reminder that design, at its best, is an act of belonging. And in a world that often feels fragmented, that’s a philosophy worth celebrating.
Where to Find the Book:
- Alex Urena’s Website
- Instagram: @alexurenadesignstudio
- Various Illawarra book sellers
In my opinion, this book isn’t just for design enthusiasts—it’s for anyone who’s ever wondered how a house becomes a home. And in Urena’s hands, that transformation is nothing short of art.
