This is a house by Piccolo Architecture that speaks directly to its natural locale, one that’s inspired by modern and brutalist architecture. Before the project, a modest cottage sat on the site. Now, in its place is a modern family dwelling with a site-driven design that seamlessly unites the unique qualities of its location with a modern twist.
Heavy use of concrete speaks to the home’s brutalist inspiration
“The project is deeply connected to its natural surroundings, responding to the contours of the Yarra Riverbank while preserving a strong visual link to the city,” notes Dominic Piccolo, architect and principal of Piccolo Architecture. This is a home that seeks not to impose on the landscape, but rather to draw each breath with it, almost as if it is a part of it.
One of the most memorable moments of the project was very early on, when Dominic broke his wrist playing sport. The homeowner is a neurosurgeon specialising in hand and wrist reconstruction, who insisted on treating Dominic. “With a big smile he said, ‘You are better now — finish the design of my house’,” laughs Dominic. “It was a light-hearted but unforgettable moment that captured the trust and humour underpinning the project.”
Green spaces connect the residence to its natural surrounds
The final design is made up of a three-level home for two adults and three children. On the third level is a garage, green-rooftop terraces and gardens, with views of the city and beyond. A sweeping staircase takes you to the first floor, where open-plan living is made up of kitchen, living, dining and bathroom. There is also a powder room and master quarters with a study/nursery, bedroom, walk-in robe and modern ensuite.
“The journey continues down to the ground floor, where a generous rumpus and children’s area, complete with a sunken lounge and bar, anchor the social life of the home,” shares Dominic. “To the east, a bathroom supports the communal spaces, while to the west, three selfcontained bedrooms, each with study nook and ensuite, open to the landscape, offering both privacy and a shared connection to nature.”
Mature trees were retained onsite. Arborists worked diligently alongside architects and engineers to ensure root systems of trees were not disturbed. Select materiality also strengthens the organic connection to the landscape. “A refined palette of concrete, charred timber, glass and steel reinforces the balance between modern durability and organic character,” says Dominic.
The layout and structure remained unchanged as the project progressed. However, it became apparent there were ways to further enhance the home’s relationship with the environment. “As construction unfolded, opportunities emerged to refine how the building met the ground and how the vegetation could flow across and around it, strengthening the sense of the house dissolving into its setting,” says Dominic.
Environmentally, the design holistically embraces sustainability with robust materials designed to endure, passive environmental strategies, and the retention of mature trees. The landscaping on the roof adds thermal insulation.
For Dominic, this project is indeed special as it gave him the opportunity to work with such a unique site on the Yarra River, framed by trees and city views. “Paired with a client who encouraged us to create something truly unique, it became a project defined by passion and persistence,” he says. “The result is more than just a house — it’s a timeless home, deeply connected to its setting, and a defining moment in my practice.
