After a trip to New York, our founder returned with a head full of ideas for his house project in Floreal. It was the perfect opportunity to explore new design possibilities across different fields.

The Concept: The house features a striking double-height atrium, acting as an indoor street. Drawing inspiration from New York, the design incorporates elements like wall graffiti and a metal bridge, while the first-floor balconies overlook the central space. This atrium serves as the heart of the home, organizing the living and dining areas around it and minimizing the need for corridors.

The central atrium also replaces the traditional veranda, offering a more open and flexible space that connects directly to the gardens, making it ideal for the area's cool climate. Large windows frame views of both a camphor tree patio on one side and the main garden on the other.

Materiality and Design: The modern design is softened by the use of raw materials like reclaimed stone and raw concrete, which bring a natural, textured quality to the space. We experimented with different types of concrete shuttering, creating a variety of surface textures. Profiled metal sheeting provides a sleek contrast, reflecting light against the matte finish of the stone and concrete. The use of rendered wall surfaces is minimal, emphasizing the material palette.

The dynamic roof design is a standout feature of the façade. A poured concrete roof wraps around a stone chimney, extending into the living room wall and floor, contributing a distinctive, sculptural element to the home's interior and exterior.

The children's bedrooms, each distinguished by bold graphic designs on aluminium panel doors, are designed as independent 'studios' across two levels. These rooms offer both privacy and a sense of personal space, with the added flexibility of opening fully into the central atrium.

Given the high moisture levels in the area, the design incorporates whirlybirds (natural ventilation devices) to enhance airflow and reduce the risk of mould, ensuring the home remains comfortable and healthy.

This project remains one of our proudest achievements. With minimal constraints, only the site’s conditions and the budget to consider, it provided an exciting freedom for creative exploration. The result is a home that is both innovative and deeply connected to its environment.