Canada
USA
Japan
URBAN HOUSE
2017
LOCATION: Perth
BUILDER: BE Projects
ENGINEER: Andreotta Cardenosa Consulting Engineers
ENERGY CONSULTANT: The Study
BUILDING SURVEYOR: Resolve Group
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: TDL – Tristan Peirce
PHOTOGRAPHY: Dion Robeson
AWARDS:
Australian House & Garden Top 50 Rooms Australia 2018
LOT SIZE: 422m²
HOUSE SIZE: 370m²
ZONING: Mixed Use R20
DESIGN BRIEF
The objective was to create a low-maintenance, minimalistic home for a young family with two dogs. The interiors were to be open, flexible, and oriented towards the northern aspect and pool. The design included four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library, double garage, laundry, wine cellar, and a large open-plan living space. Additionally, the mixed-use zoning of the site required a commercial tenancy, which would be leased short-term but eventually serve as the client’s home office.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SOLUTION
The design had to be adaptable for the family’s current and future needs.
A self-contained commercial space was incorporated at street level, while the residential areas were positioned above and behind it. These zones are entirely separate, with distinct entrances, thick walls, and extra insulation for privacy.
Within the home, variations in ceiling height and materials define the different living zones. For instance, the entry and library feature the same charcoal cladding as the exterior, creating a cozy and dramatic feel. In contrast, the open-plan living room has a higher ceiling, providing a sense of openness and generosity.
Utilitarian areas, such as the kitchen’s food prep zones and scullery sink, are hidden from view in the living and entertaining spaces. High-use areas are designed to be easily accessible and durable.
STREET PRESENCE AND CONTEXT
The home is located opposite a strip of shops on a busy road, transitioning from commercial to residential zones. The ground floor’s scale, height, and openings align with the commercial property to the east, while the western half of the building is set back to match the neighboring single-storey dwelling. The street-facing design and materials create a slight ambiguity about the building’s function, reflecting its mixed-use nature.
INTERIOR FLOW AND AESTHETICS
Japanese influences are evident in the interior through color and texture, with matte finishes and richly colored accents. The design is timeless yet versatile, allowing future users to transform it with different furnishings.
Level thresholds between the courtyard and living wing, combined with uniform flooring, create a seamless indoor/outdoor space for entertaining. Full-height, shaded glazing maximizes leafy views to the park in the north.
The interiors feature burnished concrete floors, black timber-lined feature ceilings, clean white walls, and dark veneer for a sleek tone. The dark ceilings of the entry and library continue the external black cladding inside.
The kitchen showcases handpicked jade-green Celedon quartz, carefully detailed to ensure the veining aligns across the rangehood and splashback. The island bench, made from Zimbabwe Black honed granite, complements the green quartz. Concealed scullery areas and custom cabinetry highlight the wine collection.
Bathrooms feature Artedomus Japanese tiles in charcoal and grey tones, creating a calm atmosphere. The monochromatic theme extends to the guest powder room, where bold burnt-red tiles add drama.
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
High-quality architecture demands sustainability, achieved through sound passive design principles. Northern shading, cross-ventilation, and energy-efficient openings were integrated without compromising the desired views.
INTERESTING FACT
The unique jade-green quartz in the kitchen had been overlooked due to its unusual coloring. However, it perfectly suited the design palette, adding a moody quality to the space.
