This family home by Circle Studio Architects is like a big warm hug that’s infused with life and personality. There are colours that are riotous one moment and subdued the next, and everywhere you look there is something to capture your interest.
Early discussions about the project between architect and client included the idea of renovating the existing weatherboard cottage, but architects Yvonne Meng and Amber Laing from Circle Architects realised it was spatially and thermally unfeasible.
“The cottage was ‘good from far but far from good’, so it would have been a costly process to get it up to scratch for the sake of keeping something that looks old,” explains Yvonne.
The new residence delivers on good design and environmental attributes that harmonise to create a beautiful, unique family dwelling. It’s home to Maree, a doctor, her partner, son and two cats.
The swimming pool is one of the stars of the show in this project; it ends with a sweeping curve against the house. Yvonne says the client is an avid swimmer and it was important for the pool to be functional for daily swims and to visually connect to central living areas.
“The pool became a focal point which the design of the home revolved around,” she says. “It is visible alongside a low library window, ending in a curve against the house.”
The play on curves is evident throughout the project, adding a sense of organic flow. Amber says curves were used to shape rooms, and in details such as the terrazzo steps, joinery, and curved stone island bench in the kitchen.
“Curved details soften hard edges and create a visual language throughout the home,” she notes.
The client also wanted a house that had a good sense of circulation and flow, as well as spaces that were visible “tidy” areas along with “messy” areas that could be tucked away as needed.
One of the challenges of the project was creating a flush finish between the house and pool. To create this seamless junction, Yvonne says it was a close technical collaboration between architect, structural engineers and landscape designer, and was executed by the builder, pool builder and landscape contractor.
Creating private spaces for each family member was also important. There are three bedrooms, the main with a WIR, a child’s bedroom, and a ‘man cave’ for Maree’s partner. There are also three bathrooms and three living areas.
The home easily connects to the outdoor spaces; courtyards and balconies enhance the sense of connection to the outdoors.
Yvonne says Maree was looking for a home that would “spark joy” in their daily lives. “There is dramatic curved stone, warm timber finishes, moments of surprise and unexpected combinations of texture and colour,” she enthuses.
Environmentally smart choices address energy efficiency, lighting, appliances and solar panels, and an EV charger is installed for future use.
One of the homeowner’s favourite places is the library. “I love that it’s a serene light-filled area where we can read quietly with a view of the garden and pool,” says Maree. “And the fireplace in winter! I love that I am surrounded by books.”
A pivotal moment for the architects was craning in the pink staircase. “On a cold and bleak Melbourne morning it was quite a spectacle to see a bright Barbie-pink staircase hoisted from the truck and lifted high over the street,” recalls Yvonne. “Several neighbours and onlookers congregated in the street to watch the pink staircase fly through the sky.”
Amber says the project is special because it is distinctly Maree. “Creating a home is an intimate process in getting to know the inhabitants. This project not only enhances how they live, but it also looks and feels uniquely them. It’s a home that is fun, warm, and a bit quirky,” she shares.
