A Practice Shaped by Experience and Craft
Japandi Homes Australia brings together over three decades of design and building experience across Australia and Japan.
Our work explores the meeting point between traditional Japanese design principles and contemporary Australian architecture — calm spaces, crafted with precision, grounded in nature.
Founded by Robert Rolls, a qualified carpenter and registered builder, Japandi Homes is part of a family of specialist companies including First Impressions Projects, Cellar Creations, and Shoji Tatami Australia.
Together, these practices share a commitment to thoughtful design, authentic materials, and refined craftsmanship — from large-scale residential builds to bespoke interior details.
Our Connection with Japan
Our approach is shaped by years of collaboration and learning in Japan.
In 1995, Robert worked on the Consul General’s Residence in Kobe — an experience that deepened his respect for Japanese craftsmanship and construction culture.
By 2001, he completed his first Japanese-influenced home in St Andrews, Victoria, establishing the foundation for what would become Japandi Homes Australia.
Since then, our work has included:
- Renovations of traditional homes
- New builds in both countries
- Adapting Japanese building componentry for Australian projects
- Showcasing Australian craftsmanship in Japanese exhibitions and trade events
These experiences continue to inform every project — from the proportion of a doorway to the way light moves through a room.
Design + Build, Seamlessly
Our integrated team includes:
Carpenters and builders – overseeing every detail of structure and finish
Draftspersons – developing plans and technical documentation
Joinery specialists – crafting custom cabinetry, furniture, and screens
Design collaborators – refining layout, materials, and lighting concepts
Our in-house joinery capability extends through Shoji Tatami Australia, where traditional Japanese techniques are applied to contemporary interiors — from handcrafted shoji screens and sliding doors to custom tatami flooring and timber elements.
This structure allows us to maintain a continuous thread of craftsmanship throughout the entire process — a quality that defines our work.
Our Philosophy
Every project is an expression of balance: between form and function, simplicity and depth, nature and built space.
We design and build homes that feel lived in from the first day — spaces that evolve gently over time, revealing the character of their materials and the care of the hands that built them.
Our aim isn’t to make statements. It’s to create homes that quietly reflect the people who live in them.
Build with integrity, and let the craftsmanship speak for itself.
Get in touch
Based on the Mornington Peninsula, Japandi Studio crafts Japanese-inspired spaces across Melbourne and surrounding areas. Contact us to start your project today.
Phone: +61 (0)3 5988 5466
Mobile: +61 (0)408 994 274
Facsimile: +61 (0)3 5988 5499
Email: robert@fips.com.au
PO Box 805
Mornington, Vic 3931
Australia