By working closely with its owner and builder, create an architecturally striking abode that’s sensitive to its surrounds, the family within and the amount of space it occupies.
We’re excited to share recent residential work from , that took out a spot in our . We’re always drawn to the Melbourne-based firm’s thoughtful and refined designs and above all, their ability to recognise what makes a successful space.
This time we’re touring a new build in South Yarra, built by the owner who called on Hecker Guthrie to ‘realise his vision’. The collaboration let Hecker Guthrie design intuitively to the needs of the family and how they wanted to live in the spaces while being considerate of the South Yarra context. Optimising every square metre, the result is a modernist home with strong architectural ties and an equally warm and unpretentious interior.
Situated in a heritage streetscape, the new exterior is softened by lush foliage over the facade and up the driveway. The floor plan prioritises cross-ventilation through the home, with floor-to-ceiling steel-framed glazing, internal sliding doors, light-filled courtyards and cantilevered balconies. But our favourite source of natural light in the home has to be the located above the living space. Collectively these structural elements work together in an open plan layout to better connect the family with each other and their surrounds.
The brick work is entirely exposed inside and outside, creating an easy flow and letting the landscape feel as much apart of the house as any other room, just like in the . Repetition of honest, raw materials of bricks and mortar and pale oak were a preference of the owner, who was after a ‘refined colour palette and clean and pared-back elegance’ throughout. The landscaping offers a freshness and colour that blends with these far from precious materials.
“Whilst modern in its design, the South Yarra Residence is still very much of its neighbourhood. Built on a vacant block of land this compact house utilises every square metre.”
– Hecker Guthrie
We all know the kitchen is a well-trafficked zone in a family home and Hecker Guthrie ensured this one was extra hospitable, catering to large gatherings with plenty of storage. Here, Hecker Guthrie took the opportunity to highlight the owners’ contemporary style, mirrored in the custom cabinet design of the bathroom and ensuite. We’re a big fan of the white that acts as a sleek extension of the marble bench top.
There’s certainly no excuse for clutter, where more custom white joinery is repeated throughout the home in the dining and living spaces. Another white feature that is beautifully contrasted by the brickwork is the elongated fireplace, ready to heat the home’s grand proportions in the chilly Melbourne winter. Cool tones characterise the soft furnishings such as the rugs, complemented by and the occupants’ own furniture finds.
Hecker Guthrie is renowned for their classic, quality projects and this South Yarra home is no exception. Together with the owner, Hecker Guthrie has worked towards a light-filled family home on a bed of robust materials, that takes every chance to welcome its surrounds.
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