The design remains humble in both its efficiency of planning and street presence yet shows careful consideration internally for every little detail. The design is the embodiment of how an architectural outcome can be achieved on a budget, within a locality where the dominant built form consists of a repetition in street character.

The overarching concept of the project was to maximise the available space through efficiency of design to allow the family to thrive. Materiality incorporated throughout the design remains consistent between internal and external spaces in a strategic move to strengthen indoor and outdoor connections. This, combined with full height glazing, allows the home to expand into the site, to further maximise the space and provide a design that breathes.

Raw polished concrete grounds the home to the land, offering a solid base for life to flourish and a strength to the foundations of what it means to have a family home. Continuous inside and out, the concrete provides a stability both physically and symbolically for the modern Australian family with the added benefits of thermal massing.

Natural timber warms the design and connects the home to the natural environment in a densely populated suburb. Porous, white-washed brickwork insert privacy and durability while the vertical metal cladding continues the clean lines of an understated facade, with minimal maintenance required.

Inside, an open feature stair acts as a focal point of the home, establishing an openness to increase the spatial volumes and connectivity between levels whilst separating quiet and activity zones.

Architecture & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

pcg. Architects: The project set out to create something architectural, which would become a stand-out home in an area prevalent with similar facades and repetitive building forms, whilst inheriting a budget-conscious approach.

Located on a small parcel of land, planning the home had to be resolved in a way that strategically expanded useable space by creating seamless transitions between inside and outside areas. Realising the density of the street, privacy became a consideration which informed the design of the façade, and reinforced the idea of the ‘suburban sanctuary’.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was providing all elements of the clients brief within a small lot. The home had to be flexible and adaptable, to allow all members of the family to grow and evolve as they progress through various stages of life. Careful planning and considered spatial designations were able to achieve an outcome that met the brief.

The construction phase went smoothly with the exception of some minor technicalities with the interpretation of the building codes, resulting in the need to receive a dispensation in order to achieve a superior and more practical design outcome.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

The spatial organisation offered separation and flexibility within the home to accommodate a growing family for now and into the future. The materiality throughout the home provide a low-maintenance design, reducing ongoing costs and time spent repairing, cleaning and upholding the visual appeal of the home.

Were there any unique or innovative techniques or materials used in this project?

The feature staircase and overhead void area quickly became a major focal point of the home, with its custom design and fabrication showcasing the creativity of the architect and skilful craftsmanship of the builder, whilst operating as a primary threshold to both connect and separate the quiet and activity zones of the home.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

The project embodies the custom design approach that remains consistent across all projects from the practice. Attention to detail throughout the whole design and thorough consideration for construction methodologies and how materials come together to elevate the design outcome are evident across projects.

Efficiency and flexibility of space for occupant useability are key planning outcomes rooted in our design philosophy of the practice. The concept of designing homes that create ‘urban sanctuaries’ for our clients is a key focus that influences and informs our design approach to enrich our projects and construct more meaningful spaces. Building form and material composition are arranged in such a way that strengthen the layout and complement the functional use of each project.

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