In the bustling urban environment of Malvern, VIC, Dean Dyson Architects designed the Cloud House to be a private sanctuary. The clients sought a home that mirrored their calm, peaceful nature, celebrated their present life, and accommodated daily rituals of wellness and meditation. The result is a residence defined by effortless flow and a unique feeling of being unbound, despite the constraints of its narrow, challenging site.
Rising Above the Urban Constraints
The site for the Cloud House presented significant challenges, including a narrow footprint and surrounding towers that threatened the family’s privacy. Inspired by the serenity and tranquility of clouds, the architects conceived the design as a refuge that would transcend these urban pressures.
A custom-designed, light-textured brick façade was the key design response. This façade forms a cloud-like mass that shields the interior from the outside world while softly filtering light and views. Openings are carefully framed to capture specific glimpses of the sky and the surrounding landscape, providing a crucial connection to nature while maintaining complete seclusion.
A Journey of Sensory Discovery Inside
The interior of the Cloud House transforms everyday living into a journey of sensory discovery. The design incorporates spatial voids and textured brick surfaces that establish visual connections between floors, creating “breathing spaces” that invite moments of pause and reflection. This considered layout and materiality gracefully reflects the clients’ journey from their past to the present.
Inside, careful choreography of curves, voids, and subtle material transitions guide movement and frame views of the garden and sky. The palette is soft and neutral, reinforcing a sense of calm and contemplation. Bespoke timber joinery, marble surfaces, and textural brick provide tactile depth, while natural light is expertly manipulated to animate the spaces throughout the day. Every element, including integrated wellness-focused features, is designed to enhance daily rituals and celebrate craft.
The Power of Collaboration
The ambitious design and the intricate limitations of the site demanded an intensive, collaborative, interdisciplinary approach from all consultants involved. This dedication and spirit were essential to the success of the Cloud House.
For example, the engineer developed an ingenious solution to protect the neighboring building during basement construction, and the landscape architect ensured that lush gardens animated the architecture. Unforeseen obstacles, such as hidden utilities, were managed through open communication, ensuring the architects, builders (One Construction Group), and clients were all involved in cost-conscious decision-making. The careful management of the budget ensured the initial expectations were met, ultimately creating a new way of life for the family that prioritizes wellness and connection.
