Stone Soul House mediates between robust materials and soft architectural forms.
have made it their mission to both sensitively restore heritage homes and design considerate new builds in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. ‘s extensive portfolio and word of mouth landed the husband and wife team Stone Soul House in Melbourne’s southeast; a multigenerational, three-level ‘Mediterranean courtyard’ home for a growing family of six.
Through a collaborative approach with dedicated artisans and creatives, have realised a monumental family home designed to evolve alongside its inhabitants.
The entertainer’s kitchen and informal dining space are sectioned off by louvred fluted-glass screens.
The kitchen features Macaubas White quartzite and sandblasted wood drift veneer joinery. Robson Rak selected and the for this space.
The Layout
Key to the client brief was a home that could host comfortable stays, large parties and a close-knit community of children. To achieve this, worked hard to articulate each of the three levels and ensure a natural balance between private and shared spaces.
Upon entering the home on the ground level, a light-filled passage leads you past a series of internal courtyards into the expansive kitchen, living, and dining space. This entertaining ‘hub’ expands onto an outdoor dining terrace and the north-spanning garden, featuring a 25-m pool, spa and basketball half-court. A home office and large home library accommodate working from home and studying, tucked at the front of the home and away from the action.
Accessible via a sweeping staircase running through the core of the building, the second storey is reserved solely for the immediate family. Here, five bedrooms, each fitted with ensuites, enjoy garden views alongside a secondary open study.
The home gym, rumpus room and guest suites are housed below ground level in the basement. The courtyard is a reoccurring motif throughout the three levels, symbolising connectedness to nature and each other throughout the grand home.
Maringka Baker’s ‘Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa’ is the focal point of the living room, accompanied by the Rift armchairs and sofa, custom side and coffee tables by Thomas Lentini and bespoke rug.
‘This Pot May Tickle Your Funny Bone‘ vessel by Danielle Thiris
The oval louvres and sofa are a subtle nod to the home’s curved facade.
A secondary living room at the rear of the home features the Edra Grand Soffice sofa, custom wool , Thomas Lentini stone coffee table and the Oceanic lamp. Artwork: , ‘Kunsthalle’.
Artwork: , ‘V6 Nature of Change’
Custom-designed pieces in the dining room include the 20-seater dining table by Thomas Lentini and the Copper ID pendant light.
A curved wall of joinery in the home library displays a curation of local artwork and sculptures, along with the by .
The Palette
The home receives its name from the striking exterior, encased in limestone tiles and handmade, like-coloured brick. These two base materials follow throughout the ground floor with sandblasted wood drift veneer joinery, brass accents and a warm oak ceiling. Cool-grey linen sheers add a sense of softness to each opening, filtering the northern light throughout the day.
A refined palette of olive green, walnut timber, pale pink and blue-green furniture harmoniously sits within the stone shell, letting the custom-designed light fixtures and contemporary art sing.
A Personal Touch
The client was determined to collaborate with as many local trades, suppliers and artists as possible. One of these standout pieces is the commissioned John Young Zerunge artwork in the stone-clad entry chamber – a work that took over five months to complete. Melbourne-based furniture designer Thomas Lentini custom-designed both dining tables, two sets of coffee tables and a side table, while Daniel Barbera was commissioned to create the . Robson Rak also worked closely with to design three bespoke rugs.
The primary bedroom features the and a , both by .
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The indoor living space flows effortlessly onto the outdoor terrace, equipped with an outdoor fireplace and a built-in barbecue.
The stone-clad entry chamber sets the sophisticated tone for the home, with a commissioned large-scale John Young Zerunge artwork.
for the dramatic entryway.
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