Category Archives: Homes

Architecture, Design, Homes, Tours, Videos, Views

Design: ‘Sunrise House’ In Melbourne, Australia

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Designing an architect’s own home and office space, Jolson architecture and interior design studio combines two distinct spaces that remain inherently separate. With a fascination of blurring lines between architecture, interior design and landscape design, Sunrise House becomes an exploration of how each discipline crafts a sense of space within.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Masterworks Advertisement 00:11 – Introduction to Sunrise House 00:42 – The Original 1950s Confectionary Factory 01:01 – Combining A Family Home and A Commercial Office Space 01:17 – Placing An Emphasis on Natural Light and Garden Space 01:27 – A Sanctuary with Sculptural Elements 02:19 – A Connection Between Outside and Inside 02:52 – Moving Vertically Through The House 03:32 – Connection to History Through The Gym and Courtyard Space 04:14 – Living With Colour, Texture and Memories 04:55 – A Reaction to The Original Facade 05:25 – Masterworks Advertisement

Sitting on the edge of an industrial commercial zone, Sunrise House by Jolson architecture and interior design studio was once a 1950s sweet factory before becoming an architect’s own home. Greenery covers the building’s façade, offering a dynamic sense of style not often seen within Melbourne’s cityscape. Yet inside, the connection from inside to out is made through an open floor plan that allows for the family to easily transition between living areas.

From the entrance, the office and ground level of the house honours the original build by keeping the concrete, paring it back to expose the aggregate. Although, in spaces where new concrete was poured, Jolson celebrates the new markings with memories of his own family, establishing the structure as an architect’s own home as well as a workplace. Retaining as much of the honesty and texture of the original building was key to bringing forth vibrancy.

The main design idea in the open living space was to insert three walls. Black joinery adorns one wall containing a concealed kitchen, another a large artwork that celebrates the history of the building and a third wall containing a luxurious fireplace. Through optimising the entirety of the volume within, Sunshine House becomes more than an architect’s own home, it becomes an art form. Jolson balances life, texture and colour – further complementing the minimal design aspects of an architect’s own home.

Homes, Landmarks, Tours, Travel, Videos, Views

Amalfi Coast Tour: A 16th-Century Saracen Tower

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Set into a rock dropping sheer down to the sea, this ancient 16th-century Saracen Tower is located in Maiori, one of the most exclusive areas of the Amalfi Coast.

This is truly a unique object standing between sky and sea, in a panoramic, high position less than a kilometer from the town center of Maiori, protected by a majestic chain of mountains: from here the view sweeps from the mountains to the charming town below, to then get lost in the infinite blue of the sea, offering one of the most picturesque views of the entire Amalfi Coast.

Built as a watchtower to defend this stretch of coast from invasions by the Saracens and pirates, who in past times attacked it by sea, this property has helped preserve the wonders of the Amalfi Coast, of which it is a splendid example. Developed on the panoramic road from the coast to the sea, with exclusive access to a wonderful private platform with sun loungers, this estate is part of a natural setting of incomparable beauty, characterized by dense Mediterranean scrub.

A true maze of paths crosses the 6,500-sqm park, arranged in terraces, along which the various living areas are located, including the Belvedere, the Canonica and the Saracen Tower.

Architecture, Design, Homes, Tours, Videos, Views

Design: ‘D_Residence’ In Scarborough, Australia

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Complementing an established art collection, D_Residence is a modern home with an open interiority. Crafted by Carrier and Postmus Architects (CAPA), the serene residence represents a unique approach to interior design and architecture. Located in the maritime suburb of Scarborough in Western Australia,

00:00 – Introduction to D_Residence 00:32 – Behind The Name D_Residence 01:00 – Taking A Journey with Landscaping 01:41 – The Street Presence of the Modern Home 01:57 – The Endemic Landscape Character 02:20 – Separating Interior Design from Exterior Architecture 02:40 – Venturing Through D_Residence 03:03 – Concrete and Brickwork 03:46 – The Range from Brickworks and Austral Bricks 04:11 – Favourite Aspects of the Modern Homes and Proud Moments

D_Residence is named in reference to the nearby sand dunes. A house tour of the modern home begins at its façade, where lush greenery is positioned as a natural barrier between the home and the harsh wind. Utilising light and dark-toned brickwork from Austral Bricks at Brickworks, CAPA gently defines the modern home. Applied at the garage, basement level and entry, the dark-toned brickwork causes the practical amenities to visually recede and create an intimate arrival experience.

Combining with the blockwork which comprises the remainder of the façade, the bricks form a textural backdrop to the initial greenery. As the builder’s chosen medium, concrete is also featured in the modern home, offering a neutral complement to the owners’ art collection. Aesthetically flexible, D_Residence testifies to the impressive design restraint of CAPA. Ultimately determined by the influence of its occupants, the modern home welcomes personal injections of colour, texture and vibrancy.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Tours, Videos, Views

Australian Architecture: ‘Jan Juc Studio’ Home Tour

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Sitting underneath the eucalyptus trees, a slice of paradise awaits. As an architect’s own home, Jan Juc Studio creates a subtle ease between home and work life, whilst also establishing a humble presence within the surrounding landscape.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Roborock’s S7MaxV Ultra 00:15 – Introduction to Jan Juc Studio 00:41 – The Redevelopment of Jan Juc 01:08 – The Exterior vs. The Interior 01:36 – Creating Openness Through Doors 01:57 – Maximising What’s Available 02:23 – Multifunctional Screens 03:02 – The Materiality of The House 03:51 – Designing on The Move 04:10 – Surveying The Landscape 04:47 – Sun Filtration 05:14 – Architectural Clarity and A Humble Presence 05:52 – Roborock’s S7MaxV Ultra

Eldridge Anderson Architects draws inspiration from the architectural design they saw while travelling through Japan and incorporate nods to the built proportions, finishes and materials they experienced. In establishing an architect’s own home, Eldridge Anderson Architects creates architectural clarity by maximising what already existed.

Surrounding the façade of the home with wide timber screens made of pre-aged wood enables an indoor-outdoor connection. Able to adjust to the changing weather and seasons, the sliding timber screens and opening doors offer a range of different lighting configurations throughout the day.

When opened, the diffusing of light through the bedrooms creates a relaxed start to the day and, by afternoon, the warm golden glow reflects off the blackbutt flooring throughout, creating a gilded living space. Complementing the interior of an architect’s own home, the recycled blackbutt is used for doors and floors which harmonise with the timber façade and the eucalyptus trees surrounding the exterior. Eldridge Anderson Architects engages with an open plan living that allows for an architect’s own home to flow from room to room while optimizing upon liveable space throughout the home.

Encouraging a journey through light diffused halls, Eldridge Anderson’s design emphasises the idea of open plan living with rear doors that slide open to the backdrop of vegetation and landscape of Jan Juc Studio. As the sun dances through the coastal home, timber and humble material choices combine to establish a composed presence.

Striving for architectural clarity, Eldridge Anderson Architects’ Jan Juc Studio presents a refined execution of ideas that were inspired by travelling through Japan, materials that help interchange moods throughout the day and the connection of an architect’s own home to the surrounding landscape.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Stories, Tours, Videos

Tours: ‘Sliding House’ In Suffolk County, England

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Having spent his formative years working as an actuary, Ross Russell knows a thing or two about calculated risks. As such, there was no better client to commission an experimental house with a 20-tonne sliding shell that can be removed to reveal roofless rooms and a behemoth conservatory-like structure beneath it. Here Ross takes a deep dive into the house’s design and reflects on life in truly versatile living spaces.

The house has been described by drMM as one for all seasons. During the warmer months, the structure can slide over the terrace to give shade to alfresco diners, while in winter it provides as extra insulation. Then there are the adaptable rooms inside the house, designed so they can either be sheltered or open to the sky, depending on the weather. One of the highlights is the bathroom, where people can soak under directly the sun or stars. When guests come to stay the first thing they typically ask, Ross says, is: “Can we have a bath?”

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Architecture, Design, Homes, Stories, Tours, Videos, Views

Home Design: ‘Wyoming House’ In Kew, Australia

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Embodying a specific set of client stipulations, Wyoming is a modernist-inspired home with innate flexibility. Crafted by Inarc Architects, the open plan residence exceeds expectations for a house of its kind. Located in the Victorian suburb of Kew, in close proximity to the Yarra River,

Video Timeline: 00:00 – The Local Project’s Print Publication 00:14 – Introduction to Wyoming 00:55 – A Walkthrough Wyoming 01:11 – Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Plan from 1911 01:29 – Sticking to A Strict Brief 02:14 – Matching Old to New 02:50 – Interior Lighting 03:21 – Creating A Gallery Space 04:12 – Adopting Modernist Principles 04:50 – Inarc’s Favourite Aspects of Wyoming 05:42 – Subscribe to The Local Project’s Print Publication

Wyoming stands as a rejuvenated dwelling. Originally built in 1911, the settlement of the modernist-inspired home proposes the unique experience of feeling close to the city whilst accessing the countryside lifestyle. The clients requested that the modernist-inspired home include areas for entertaining. To this end, Inarc Architects reimagines the original front rooms of the house as entertainment spaces which flow to the modern addition. In response to the clients’ passion for the outdoors,

Inarc Architects reinforces the sense of privacy attached to the garden space. An old hedge on the northern boundary is replaced by one of a similar style, exuding a sense of visual protection. Aesthetically, the modernist-inspired home champions white, as per the client’s request. White honed granite floors combine with classic Italian carrara to establish the limited colour palette.

Benefitting from meticulous spatial planning – both indoors and out – Wyoming offers a flowing, effortless living experience. Inarc Architects answers the clients’ requests with rigour, resulting in a highly-personal, modernist-inspired home.

Architecture, Home Design, Homes, Stories, Tours, Videos, Views

Architectural Tour: ‘Way House’ In Perth, Australia

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An architectural family house, The Way House stands steeped in history. Originally crafted by Darryl Way Architect, the renovated dwelling by vittinoAshe draws upon its architectural heritage in embracing its future.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to The Way House 00:28 – The History Behind The Way House 01:16 – The Benefits of Open Plan Living 02:01 – Architectural Features of The Way House 02:24 – Creating Space Through Glass 02:37 – A Tribute to the Original House 03:42 – Introducing Artedomus Products 05:26 – The Embodiment of Family

Settled in close proximity to Perth’s Freshwater Bay, The Way House represents a significant family legacy. Built in 1975 by the client’s father – an established architect – the home stands as a labour of love. As an architectural family house, it was important to respect the built narrative of the residence when executing the modern-day renovation. Internally,

The Way House indicates its status as an architectural family house, with old architectural elements effortlessly cohered with the new. The new studio pays homage to the original house through the replication of clean lines, materiality and finishes. Working with Artedomus – esteemed supplier of natural stone and ceramic tiles – DWA Architects highlights The Way House as an architectural family house. Artetech Ombra Carbone porcelain panels are used as a minimal means of ornamenting the kitchen, positioned in striking contrast to red recycled bricks.

In the bathroom, Artedomus INAX tiles communicate a minimal design language to foster a sense of serenity. Crafting a house that embodies a meaningful history, DWA Architects invests in an ongoing residential narrative. An architectural family house, The Way House articulates the important role that architecture plays in family life and provides an inviting space for the next generation.

Architecture, Design, Homes, Stories, Tours, Views

Architect’s Tour: Toorak Residence In Melbourne

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Approached with experience and discernment, Toorak Residence is an architectural dwelling with a considered interiority. Designed by Architecton, the luxury home embraces its context, enabling seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor space.

Video Timeline: 00:00 – The Local Project Print Publication 00:15 – Introduction to Architectural Toorak Residence 01:02 – The Levels and Layers of the Home 01:46 – Blurring the Lines Between Living and Landscape 02:30 – The Material Palette of the Architectural Home 03:15 – A Sculptural Champagne Cork 03:28 – Lighting Considerations 04:08 – A Range of Versatile Living Areas 04:44 – Ageing Like a Fine Champagne 05:13 – Subscribe to The Local Project Print Publication

Located in the affluent suburb of Toorak in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, Toorak Residence is strong element in the impressive architectural environment. Marked externally by a bold sculpture, the home sits at over 1000 square metres and features three spacious levels. Arriving at Toorak Residence, the process of entry is elongated by carefully layered experiential details. Beyond the front gate lies an informal garden space – a tactile composition of pleasant greenery – which effortlessly navigates residents towards the main entrance. Stepping inside the architectural home, the material palette is intentionally restrained. Architecton champions concrete, natural stone, timber and glass as the ideal canvases for light and bases for architectural detail. Flowing out towards the landscape whilst internally welcoming sunlight, Toorak Residence does justice to the rigour of Artchitecton. A house tour reveals the architectural residence to be a peaceful dwelling, encouraging intuitive patterns of movement for superior living.

Architecture, Design, Homes, Sustainability, Tours, Videos

Architect’s Tour: Casa Mia In City Beach, Australia

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Offering a playful rendition of the familiar sustainable narrative, Casa Mia enables residents to experience life inside a dream house. Crafted by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects in collaboration with Caroline Di Costa Architect, the residence uses brickwork to convey a liberating message.

Video timeline: 00:00 – Introduction to Casa Mia 00:28 – High-Density Living 01:11 – A Playful Space 01:53 – Providing a Presence and Privacy 02:13 – Sustainable Brickwork 03:08 – Love and Appreciation for Brickworks 03:39 – Historic and Ancient Japanese Architecture 04:25 – Utilising Unfinished Materials 05:00 – Sustainable Design 05:47 – The Architect’s Favourite Aspects of the House

Located on the Ocean Mia Estate in City Beach, Casa Mia is an architect’s own home, sitting in contrast to the built context. Constructed from carefully positioned brickwork with spaces between bricks at its edge, the dream house juxtaposes the rectilinear forms of the surrounding buildings, presenting a dynamic profile of surprising lightness.

Liaising with Brickworks, Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects both inheres the project with a sense of sustainability and makes the concept legible as a prominent feature of the architect’s own home. Brickworks enables its products to be applied to the dream house in their uncut state – an atypical usage – in order to minimise waste. Every brick of the dream house is locally sourced and exhibits colours reminiscent of the earthy natural landscape. Inspired by Japanese architecture, Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects employs fully-glazed bricks around particular openings.

The bricks bounce sunlight into the depths of the home, allowing the residents to save energy where possible. Although Casa Mia represents the weight of responsibility architects have towards the environment, it also presents this responsibility as beneficial. Iredale Pederson Hook Architects and Caroline Di Costa Architect craft a dream house that rejoices in its sustainability, utilising the colour and texture of brick to suggest a playful variation of an architect’s own home.