This clever home offers contemporary, clean-cut design paired with spacious living – all on a deceptively small block.
The owners wanted a spacious home with maximum living space in a contemporary, open-plan design – on a small 196sqm block in Subi Centro. The clients had a preference for living spaces to be located on the ground floor, and wished to capitalise on views from many rooms including the main bathroom. They also required a master bedroom in the mezzanine/loft area.
Not only did architect Sam Teoh have to work within the constraints of the small block size, but the newly sub-divided plot was subject to a number of strict building covenants, including restrictions on setback, height, plot ratio, landscaping
and material selection. As the roof would be visible from an adjacent park, it had to be pitched between 35 and 45 degrees.
The building, named The Rise, was able to run from boundary to boundary, sharing walls with neighbouring homes on the east and west sides. However, this meant window space would be restricted to the north and south elevations, hence a variety of design techniques were used internally and externally to maximise natural light and space. Glass bricks were used on the balcony to provide light to a large void area, allowing a seamless flow that increases the feel of space and brings light into the lower level.
In addition, wall and roof windows assist with natural cross ventilation and allow hot air to escape.
Although the entry and garage are located on the southern side of the home, accessed from a laneway, the northern elevation is considered the main one as it opens on to a park. Interest was created through various elements that also
serve functional purposes – voids created by the balconies, which assist in bringing light to the interior, are juxtaposed against solid, copper-coloured aluminium panels that provide privacy to the ensuite, adding a layered look and a notion of
transparency to the elevation.
The pitched gable roof satisfies building covenants and provides additional interest, while a flat arch on one of the balconies provides solar shading to the second bedroom and gives the exterior contemporary appeal.
Internally, spaces are arranged to suit the clients’ living requirements.The main entrance opens into a large void area, which features a crystal chandelier, immediately creating a sense of grand proportions.
The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area satisfies the owners’ requirements for ground-floor living spaces and accentuates the feeling of space. A floating ceiling delineates the kitchen and stacking sliding glass doors open to the northern courtyard to provide an extended entertaining zone.The kitchen also includes a large mosaic column rising from the island bench to support a floating ceiling.
A potential first for WA is a Magic Mirror TV built into the splashback in the kitchen. In a similar vein, a television in the master bedroom retracts into a storage unit mounted in the glass balustrading of the mezzanine level.
Also on the mezzanine level is the master bedroom, while a guest bedroom on the level above includes a resort-style ensuite with a large bathtub.
Earthy tones contrast with occasional splashes of vibrant colour, such as a red splashback for privacy in the powder room.
Some surprising touches, including a large Bonaparte mosaic on the terrace and a classical crystal chandelier in the entry space, juxtapose against the home’s modern, contemporary feel.