“A modest, well articulated house for modern family life”

Relationship to site, context, presence

Fitting in with the design guidelines for Durham Estate subdivision, the house respects its neighbours (both present and future), while providing for the needs of a young family.

Relationship between concept, form, structure

A series of interconnected internal spaces allows for supervision of children during the normal course of daily living. Notable in this respect is the glazed wall to the children’s play area. Living spaces also support entertaining, and a direct relationship to outdoor areas.

Light, colour, texture, space

The centre of the house is the kitchen/family area, expressed in a double height space, and linked to all other living areas and the exterior. Neutral colours are employed throughout the interior, contrasting with the front door which is boldly defined in Ferrari Red.

Structure, construction, materials, detail

Rather than competing, landscaping blends in with the landscape theme of the subdivision, including extensive use of river stones. Honed concrete block, compressed sheet and weatherboard cladding is used in combination.

Contribution/spirit

This project shows that it is possible to design a well-mannered home in a select neighbourhood, while accommodating the expression of needs inherent in modern family living.