The Ridge is a modern sanctuary in Canterbury, seamlessly balancing its heritage setting with innovation, and creating a strong connection to the environment. With a desire for privacy, simplicity, family connection and a timeless, modern aesthetic, this immaculate, well-considered design by Jesse Ant Architects has more than met the brief.

This two-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has a highly functional layout based around a central courtyard, creating a private family retreat while maximising natural light and ventilation. Spacious, open plan living, kitchen and dining areas wrap around the courtyard, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing everyday living. A skylight running the length of a gallery wall delivers additional soft, indirect light, further contributing to the sense of space and light.

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From the street front, a thoughtfully curated material palette and a strong geometric design delivers a unique architectural form, clearly setting The Ridge apart.

“We’re so proud of the sculptural geometry of the squared and arched windows, blending clean lines with a softer more organic form and delivering a striking modern facade. This combination provides a beautiful contrast against the simple, solid form of handmade Petersen Kolumba™ bricks, creating a dialogue between past and present, and making the house a standout in its context,” says Antry Lau, Director, Jesse Ant Architects.

The beautiful sculptural reverse arch window, so fitting on the front facade, was quite a last minute, but now standout, addition to the design. From the street, it enhances the home’s modern appeal, and from inside it thoughtfully frames views of the lush tree canopy across the street.

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Handmade Petersen Kolumba bricks in pale grey tones add warmth and character to the facade, laid in a random bond to enhance their tactility. The bricks are a striking, yet perfect complement to the crisp charcoal aluminium accents and the abundance of glass. The palette is clean and minimal in line with the timeless, yet modern aesthetic.

Predominantly inspired by Herbert & Howes’ Sunset House, along with Jennings House by AGUSHI and Webster Architecture, both Jessica and Antry have had their eyes on Petersen Kolumba bricks for some time. The sample in their office has been waiting for just the right project to present itself:

“We love the bricks’ durability and rich texture, and the way they pay homage to traditional masonry while still delivering a contemporary design. And when our client saw the sample brick, he instantly made his mind up and didn’t want to use any other,” says Jessica Wang, Director, Jesse Ant Architects.

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The Ridge is a beautifully designed and immaculately detailed home driven by simplicity and elegance, and one that perfectly balances both heritage sensitivity with innovative design, and privacy with connection. For Jessica and Antry, the most rewarding aspect was working with their ‘dream’ client, who placed complete trust in his architects to see their design realised with very little amendment or pushback:

“Our clients were quite open to our suggestions for the design outcomes. And that’s quite rewarding, to see them fully place their trust in us and enable us to realise our vision. That just makes our job so much easier and more fulfilling,” concludes Antry.

Robertsons_Building_Products_Jesse_Ant_Architects_The_Ridge_Petersen_Kolumba_bricks _Song (2).jpg — *Credit: Bruce Song*

Project details

Project: The Ridge

Location: Canterbury, VIC

Architect: Jesse Ant Architects

Builder: Mazzei Constructions

Bricklayer: Brooker Bricklaying

Product: Handmade Petersen Kolumba bricks

Photography: Sophie Tomaras and Bruce Song

Handmade bricks add warmth and character to Canterbury home’s facade

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