Set on a compact urban site our brief was to create a large family home that didn’t look ‘big’ and was respectful to the scale and style of the streetscape.
With a pilot, teacher and teenager in the mix, the design also had to cater to a few different schedules.
Add in a walled garden oasis and cathedral ceiling worthy of choir song – challenge accepted!
The clients wanted, “something modern and minimalist which could nestle convincingly among single-fronted Victorian cottages.”
They came to the table with clear ideas but were keen to be challenged.
Sympathetic to the streetscape the home has stylised some conventional forms but it’s full of modern comforts and features.
The gable forms allow northern light into the rear entertaining area and a cathedral ceiling inspires awe.
At the front, the wrap around gable creates a striking façade and the perfect spot to chat with neighbours and drink a latte from the café next door.
“Jane was completely unfazed by the challenges presented to her. She took our ambitious brief and maximised every element of the space. She made it easy.
“We don’t regret a single decision we made. It exceeds every expectation we had of what a beautiful and functional home could be.”
Homeowners — Mark & Chrissie
The adjoining café is built hard up to the footpath. This set a precedent and allowed the home to come forward on the block. In the process we gained distance and privacy from the two-storey rear neighbour, allowed light into the living zones and gave the owners’ their desired private walled garden.
The teenage zone upstairs is complete with a living area and bathroom - the perfect retreat.
With a guest bedroom and bathroom downstairs, pilot Mark has a refuge during periods of shift work.
The house can adapt for moments together and apart. It perfectly connects the family whilst enhancing their individual pursuits.
