A daring manipulation of form and deliberately pared back, minimal interiors are the hallmarks of this South Yarra home, designed by Hecker Guthrie. They reference elements of a quintessentially modern Australian architectural aesthetic, but also an approach that stems intrinsically from the pair’s own design vocabulary.
“For Hecker Guthrie, this was an opportunity to display the ultimate expression of what we do as a practice, as we had 100 per cent control over the direction of the architecture and interiors,” explains Hamish Guthrie, co-director of the Melbourne-based practice. The designers were fortunate to work with an empty plot and alongside a client-builder, who gave them extensive design freedom.
Whilst the overall aesthetic is one of minimal restraint, the house overwhelms with its abundance of light and connection to the landscape. “The strong materiality of the exterior is counterbalanced by a lush, mossy driveway and façade to seamlessly blend in with the typically heritage streetscape,” says Hamish. Internally, the open floor plan is punctured by light-filled courtyards that connect the various spaces whilst maintaining a sense of intimacy. The atrium acts as “the heart”, allowing light to flood in through the large structural floor-to-ceiling glazing and internal sliding doors.
The kitchen forms the social nucleus of the house, along with the generously-sized living and dining room, ensuring that ample space is available for extended family and social gatherings. “Each area throughout the home is tied together without clearly defined edges, allowing the family to use it to meet their changing needs,” Hamish adds.
Interior materials consistently reference and match the exterior architecture with the extensive use of brick and concrete consistent across both interfaces. “With this philosophy you create a beautiful and rigorous architectural space and then into it you insert objects that have personality that start to represent the clients,” concludes Hamish.
Hecker Guthrie
heckerguthrie.com
Photography by Shannon McGrath
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Nuvo Aspire bricks in Mist from Boral
Pretziada Illusion and Panama rugs from Halcyon Rugs
City Stick floor mounted white bath mixer from Brodware
Alape WT 400 Round Washstand and Highgrove Toob Freestanding Basin from Reece
Freestanding Clearwater Formoso 1690 Bathtub from Reece
La Lampe Gras Wall Light blak
Pianca Dedalo bedside from Meizai
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