A steeply sloping site below the road facing north, the intention for Light & Clay was to design a modest family home that maximised the sun and connections to the view while maintaining privacy. The idea was to re-interpret the traditional suburban home in a contemporary architecture that was memorable, exciting and had more than a nod to its context.
The home has four bedrooms, all of modest size. The architecture is a combination of cubic forms each clad in a unique material. The kitchen/dining area is largely glazed. The living area is clad in a terracotta tile, being ‘a memory’ of the existing brick building that was on the site. The rear bedroom-wing clad in the utilitarian, ubiquitous corrugated iron hovering above the ground on slender poles with a sculptural chute accessing the garden. And the main bedroom a translucent light box providing privacy, light, and interest, and again being a nod to the existing colours within the street.
An existing garage was located on the street. Entry to the new home is through a landscaped courtyard to the front entry – a sculptural arrival space with a dynamic exposed stair. The interiors unfold into a series of spaces and vistas.
The steep sloping site provided challenges and opportunities. The kitchen/dining/living area connects to a north facing private pool courtyard and views down to the landscape below on the southern side. The home is seen as an expression of contemporary life.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project; the team at Crosson Architects, amazing contractor Peter Broome; our incredible clients; SGLA for the beautiful landscaping, and to all of the consultants and suppliers.
Thank you to HOME Magazine and the 2021 judges. Congratulations to the winners and our fellow finalists! Read more at HOME Magazine.