Insights from the Architect

The owners of this Glen Iris property had a clear vision of the style of the house they were after. Contemporary, clean strong lines, lots of glazing.

We were fortunate to have a wonderful, large, sloping, north facing property, which could accommodate a three storey house, looking north over a swimming pool and existing tennis court, to views across the valley.

While there were some fine calculations to fit the three storeys within the height restrictions, and make the most of the sloping site, the result is spectacular and reflects with little change, the architects initial sketch plans.

The lowest floor has a generous four car basement garage tucked in against the slope, a large games room, gym or guest bedroom both opening through a covered alfresco to the pool and tennis court. A bathroom / changing room with indoor and outdoor access services this level and the swimming pool.

The main entry to the home is at the mid / street level by way of a bridge elevated over the front landscaping, through a large pivot front door. This leads in to one of the many highlights of the house, a two storey gallery, which provides a strong ‘spine’ for the home and which is bisected at the mid point by an upper floor ‘bridge’.

The house has all the requirements for family living on a generous scale. At this mid level, large fitted study, formal sitting and dining rooms, and across the rear of this level, kitchen dining and living, opening onto a full width covered balcony (with operable roofs) overlooking the pool and tennis court. The kitchen also links to the formal dining by way of a butlers kitchen, pantry and home office.

The upper floor houses the 4 family bedrooms, all with ensuites, walk in robes and beautiful outlooks. The central gallery void brings light, shape and a sense of drama to this level also. The internal verticality offsets and provides an interesting juxtaposition to the strong horizontal canopies and lines of the building exterior.