Habitus Magazine | Issue 38

It’s not as straightforward as you might think, the notion of the exotic. Putting pen to paper, or pages to an issue, there are countless different ways in which we could choose to explore the concept through architecture and design. So what do we do? Which path do we go down?

Why not explore them all? The opportunity to do just that is one of my favourite things about putting Habitus together each quarter, where we’re able to explore a concept in all its various forms, bringing them together and presenting them in a neat little package for you – our loyal republic of Design Hunters – to take in, digest, re-evaluate and action.

To some, exotic could mean moving away from one industry – mid-career – and into another, like it did for Pip Vassett (page 66). I spoke to the casual entrepreneur who left the comforts and freedom of her long-standing position as a freelance Fashion Director to start her own business in the residential sphere.

Or it could mean approaching site constraints and strict council regulations with creativity and originality. As Mark Scruby found it did for Matt Gibson Architecture + Design on their recently completed Mixed Use House (page 136). Working closely and in collaboration with their clients they took a block of land in a busy area of Melbourne and turned it into an escape in plain sight.

Or, it could simply be the appeal of regional locations and foreign landscapes, like Everyone’s House (page 172) with views that extend out to mountain ridges and beyond. Or House With Shadows (page 164) with an lush architectural form inspired by the verdant gardens by which it is surrounded.

We’re not trying to overthink the concept nor overwork it, we’re just trying to offer options; to push the boundaries of what you might expect us to give you. I hope that’s what we’ve done. And, as always, I hope you enjoy the issue.

Holly Cunneen | Deputy Editor