SKENDER HOUSE | Completed 2020

The colour palette, wood, steel and concrete were modestly articulated to capture the timelessness of the home’s stoic materiality.

Textural and spatial compositions were thoughtfully designed 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. The heart of this home is this intimate space that induces rich interactions were occupants exchange moments, speak privately at passing, engage in deliberation or take 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 a 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. Three levels (2 + mezzanine), with 4.2 meter ceiling heights, and a sensitivity to the surrounding streetscape were achieved within complying development in a modest 480sqm.