Lawley

Project Details
Photographer — Dion Robeson

Built on a newly subdivided battle-axe block in an established suburban area, this compact new three-bedroom house balances the client’s brief for a contemporary home with an exterior that satisfies draconian council character retention guidelines.

Surrounded by large houses and an apartment building, the house establishes privacy for its owners, a young couple, while capturing the northern winter sun and creating views towards existing trees on and off the site.

With a linear plan that places the living spaces on the ground and a majority of the bedrooms above, the house has a simple layout and a restrained interior material palette. An exposed concrete floor and ceiling in the living room are representative of the clients’ wish for spaces that were raw and economical but beautiful.

The external form is heavily influenced by the council’s strict rules on materials and form, with a steeply pitched roof and ‘traditional’ paint scheme just two of the items that were required. We worked within these constraints, pushing limits where possible, to create a minimal, textured form with clean construction details. A timber verandah on the north elevation shades the ground floor, screens views into neighbours yards and unifies the elevation.

Testimonial
We are so grateful that we found Cast Studio. David successfully faced the challenge of our modest budget plus some strict council heritage rules to develop a home that we absolutely love.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and we enjoyed our first building experience. Besides being an all-around great guy, his expertise and guidance were essential to developing the great space we get to call our home.