SKENDER HOUSE | Completed 2020

The material and colour palette, wood, steel and concrete were modestly articulated.

Textural and spatial compositions were thoughtfully combined to provoke constant dialogue between the built form and its occupants moving from space to space.  The variable widths of its wood cladding (a quality found in a natural wood forest) transitions through the spine of the home to the uniformity of ribbed wood used along the walls.  The high ceiling along the long and narrow vestibule contracts to the transitional space that functions like a crossroads, where things happen. The heart of this home is this intimate space that creates opportunities for rich interactions were occupants exchange moments, speak privately in passing, pause or take wine from the wine closet, before heading to their respective directions – stairs to the mezzanine, entries to utilities, stairs down to the garage, or proceed to the common spaces that again open up to higher ceilings. This crossroads facilitates gentle transitions from floor to floor and from space to space.

The long narrow vestibule ushers guests straight through, allowing uninterrupted privacy to the front office, whilst the mezzanine offers reprieve between floors and is positioned away from the formal common areas. The spaces were thoughtfully designed to allow one standing in the kitchen visual access to the mezzanine and to the swimming pool at the same time, a practical consideration for a family with children, whilst the generous kitchen transitions from a formal casual space to the butler’s area...

It was such a pleasure getting to know the family as their lifestyle, energy and dynamics inspired the design, spatial articulation, materials used and quality finishes. The clients were eager for and supported sustainable solutions throughout, including the use of Australian timber finishes, timber construction, algorithmically arranged varied timber widths facade panels using charred Australian timber, cut and processed in Australia. This three-level home (2 + mezzanine), with maximum 4.2 meter ceiling heights, and a sensitivity to the surrounding streetscape was achieved within Complying Development (SEPP) in a modest 480sqm parcel.