Torquay, Victoria

New residence - completed 2015

This is a house of concrete, and the material has been fully embraced with all its inherent strengths and flaws. Paired with natural hardwood, the house is elemental and raw, but nonetheless warm and welcoming as a home for a young family.

Tightly hemmed in by suburban houses but backing onto wetlands and golf course, the house is treated as a walled sanctuary, opening up into itself, an internalised habitat with locally planted roof gardens and curated glimpses onto the wetlands. At street level, an open carport and art studio above invite filtered views into the private world beyond. A translucent battened screen veils the studio, glowing over the street at night when the artist is at work.

Entry is via a portal in the concrete wall, leading into a small, secluded courtyard which acts as an antechamber to the more private areas of the house. Inside, the space immediately opens into a double height gallery, glazed on one side to reveal the plan which wraps around a large central courtyard. Purposed for longevity, the design offers moments of privacy, flexibility of space and room to grow.

Awards / Media:

Victorian Architecture Awards 2016 - Commendation

Houses Awards 2016 - Shortlist

Green magazine Issue 52: Front cover and full article