Nestled in the corner of Cranmer Square overlooking the leafy park, this is a bold example of a single residential dwelling intervention amongst an inner-city neighbourhood of densification. Clad in corten, cedar, and glass, this generously sized 3 bedroom dual living residence of 413sqm, split across two levels, will continue to physically change and reflect the exterior environment as each season passes by.

The design brief and concept for this project was developed by Connell Architecture, from a design originally devised by Hawkins Architecture. Located within walking distance of the site, Connell Architecture also managed the project through to final completion.

Key to the design brief was the client’s desire for corten steel, a high level of privacy, security, accessibility, and noise control to the weekday traffic of Cranmer Square, all without compromising views of the park.

Dual and accessible living was deployed in the development of this design as a mechanism for achieving guest privacy, but also to encourage future potential adaptability given the location in a Residential Central City zone. The self-contained ground floor is accessed through a secure entry, with a separate office, laundry, and four-car garage accessed from and contained within the entryway, allowing potential split use of these spaces. Upstairs via the lift or the cantilevered solid timber-clad staircase is the main living quarters and master bedroom suite; each embracing leafy floor to ceiling views of Cranmer Square. Further privacy and amenity is encouraged by the deep overhangs, recessed windows, a skylight, and roof garden to the master suite which overlooks the pool area and feature wall to the streetfront below.

A quality material palette was encouraged in the use of corten. The dark stained cedar, black aluminium and glass compliment and suitably contrast with the corten as it changes its patina with age, and the darker surfaces recede. The interior is largely dressed in oak with feature lighting and joinery elements including a steel framed cantilevered gas fire place with concealed television.

Glazing and insulation selections mitigate both internal and external acoustic and privacy concerns, with thermally broken double glazed aluminium joinery, R4.0 insulation to 140mm timber stud walls, and a lightweight concrete flooring system. A ducted air system ensures good indoor air quality is achieved in the top floor, and heating is provided via a feature gas fireplace, and hydronic in-slab system to the ground floor.

This new residence provides generously sized executive inner city living without compromising on privacy, security, quality, interior comfort or outdoor living.