With a unique landscape and diverse culture, it comes as no surprise that Australia’s homes are as distinctive as its environment. In recent years, Australian architecture has emerged as a growing tour de force rivalling the building accomplishments of other countries on the international design scene. Incorporating contemporary Western aesthetics, sculptural forms and modern materials, architectural firms turn houses into artworks, redefining the art of living. Here are some of the most innovative house designs created by up-and-coming Australian architects.
Cape Tribulation House – m3architecture
Shrouded in the depths of Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest within a stone’s throw of the beach, this quirky house reflects its delicate environment.
The luxurious holiday retreat is completely off the grid and blends into the surrounding seven acres of forest with its black and mirrored exterior.
Wood, glass and dark-hued interiors embellish the numerous rooms, common areas, bar and saltwater pool.
Built in 2014 by architectural firm m3architecture, the environmentally-conscious design avoided tree removal and relies on natural ventilation and energy-efficient devices.
The minimalist design and rustic aesthetic lend the home a quaint charm, offering the dweller an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Brighton Residence – Rob Mills
This concrete behemoth by luxury architect Rob Mills has scooped up a handful of international awards – and for good reason. More sculpture than home, the exterior is a geometric construction of smooth, grey concrete set beside a grand forecourt and pool. The interior echoes the stark façade; its crowning glory is undoubtedly the sweeping spiral staircase ornamented with dangling spherical lights.
A circular skylight above the staircase lets natural lighting into the open living space, which mirrors the outside colour scheme with its pale greys and whites. The architect’s design philosophy encompasses luxury and intimacy, evident in the tasteful furnishings and elegant design of this Brighton gem.
Extension House – Architecture Architecture
The duo behind Melbourne-based firm Architecture Architecture were the masterminds who created this wooden wonder. Inspired by Californian bungalows, the building puts a distinctively Australian spin on the classic structure with its open spaces and ultramodern façade.
A mass of greenery climbs one side of the structure, complementing the wood-heavy façade for a nature-inspired theme. Slim timber battens intersect to form a multifaceted exterior, punctuated by a veranda sporting an awning of chain-wire netting.
The battens cast elegant shadows on the gently curving interior walls, which meet on a diagonal axis. The angular interior is a playful take on everyday living spaces, a visual marvel which means that life in this home is never boring.
Armadale Residence – B.E Architecture
Sprawling across three storeys, this blocky building designed by B.E Architecture is composed of a whopping 260 tonnes of granite. The textured rock façade is broken up only by the windows and metal balcony railings, an impenetrable surface which lends the home complete privacy.
The stonemasons even play a hand in the interior, with the floors, bath, and basins also hewn from granite. Situated in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale, the home boasts a pool, a unique circular light fixture illuminating the common area and a set of glazed doors opening onto a serene Japanese garden. The landscaping takes pride of place with a mossy courtyard adorned with two cherry trees and an outdoor shower. The dense greenery softens the strong exterior, creating an air of quiet tranquility.
By Jennifer Luu