A design collaboration between architecture studio Cera Stribley and interiors specialists AV-ID Design led to the construction of a Brutalist architecture-inspired home in the exclusive suburb of Toorak in Melbourne.
Cera Stribley and AV-ID Design were able to achieve the perfect balance between the Brutalist built form and the elegant interiors of this modern home. To address challenges such as the irregular shaped site and a six-metre drop, the architects opted for a floorplan that featured a grand foyer in the centre with various spaces of different volumes and function branching off from this point. The different wings envelop the site while allowing a view of the sprawling garden or the city from each room.
“The architecture of this building responds directly to the general typology of houses now found throughout its context and aims to counteract this in a positive way. The sculptural form is designed to direct views inwards and to the northern side of the site while maintaining privacy,” Cera Stribley explained.
The Toorak house features two living areas, four bedrooms, a study and an open-plan kitchen and dining space – all spread across three levels with a spiral staircase connecting the different floors. In addition to the landscaped garden and swimming pool, the house also features a rooftop terrace, providing the owners more outdoor space for relaxation or entertaining guests.
According to the architects, the entryway is designed to draw guests inside. The house affords views to the outdoors from all over: all rooms point to the north overlooking the swimming pool and out towards the city. Since the clients love to entertain, the kitchen and bar are specially designed to accommodate extra guests.
Photography: Derek Swalwell
