It’s no surprise
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Taking Shape
Stafford Architecture were approached by a young family and their older relatives to design two houses next to each other. But while close in proximity, each family had a firm idea of how their home would look and feel, leading to two distinct architectural narratives; one characterised by curves and a sense of flow, and the other, defined by angular precision. “The ‘curved’ house has a relaxed feeling with the curved walls, glazing and joinery softening the interior spaces. The living spaces, rear outdoor patio, lawn connection, and roof terrace promote outdoor living,” Erik says. “The ‘angular’ house is more a formal statement, with the angled roofs and walls framing key views from interiors toward the harbour and rear.”
The curved house belongs to a young family, with a clear floor plan that anticipates a need for flexibility as they grow. Informal living areas were designed around a connection to the rear outdoor space for the children to play and explore, while formal areas lie at the front of the home, opening up to harbour views. Connecting all levels is a sculptural staircase that was designed to act as a ‘light well’. The roof terrace was the only feature the client liked about the 80s home that previously stood on the site. “The roof terrace was an important element in our client’s brief. It has 180-degree views of the harbour and further views off to Bondi,” Erik says.
“The ‘curved’ house has a relaxed feeling with the curved walls, glazing and joinery softening the interior spaces. The living spaces, rear outdoor patio, lawn connection, and roof terrace promote outdoor living.”
– Erik Smithson
The Red Thread
The curved facade features fluted concrete, a detail also reflected in the home’s kitchen and powder room. The ribbed concrete detail, which Erik says was no easy feat (formed carefully and poured in situ), is designed to make the concrete appear softer – a theme that sees curves wrapping each corner of the home.
The exterior palette informs an interior scheme of contrasting neutrals. Natural timbers and warm, grey stone balance durability and warmth – playing to the home’s connection with the outdoors. Erik says the light-toned living areas with dark accents work together to create a sense of enclosure and solidity within the home. A large portion of the furniture curation is sourced from
The Home’s Heart
“We treated the kitchen as a central element to the home,” Erik says. “It’s visually connected to adjacent internal living spaces as well as to the external patio and rear via a generously sized window seat.” The kitchen island needed to anchor the space. So like the exterior, Stafford Architecture explored fluting to transform a “solid, robust material into something delicate and soft”.
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The Result
When asked about his favourite space, Erik says it’s the roof terrace “where one can simply escape to, relax and watch the expansive harbour views.” Erik’s words capture the essence of Stafford Architecture’s design resolution; liveable, sophisticated and long-lasting at once.
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