A Sawtooth Roofline Meets Deco-Inspired Curves at This Family Home in Australia

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Project Details:

Location: Goodwood, Australia

Architect: RAD Studio / @r_a_d_studio

Footprint: 2,540 square feet

General Contractor: Thorne Constructions / @thorne.constructions

Structural Engineer: CPR Engineers

Landscape Design: Habitat Landscaping

Photographer: David Sievers / @david_sievers_photography

From the Architect: "As you turn off Goodwood Road onto Gilbert Street there is a buzz in the air. The Art Deco Capri Theatre stands statesman-like on one corner while a former adult shop turned new hip local wine bar energizes the other. Firmly embedded within a suburban community boasting cafes, bottle shops, dessert bars, restaurants, local schools, and shops, Gilbert embraces its locality.

"Taking subtle cues from the Capri Theatre, deco-inspired curves appear throughout the dwelling, while dramatic geometric forms—lightly placed— introduce passive thermal control. Playful interiors embrace the lush garden surrounds where established trees sit among new plantings, while the architecture itself spills into the outdoor experience. Fond memories of a unique family dwelling are referenced, although the house itself celebrates a vibrant lifestyle for the future. Subtle motifs and detailing can be found throughout to respectfully bring together old and new.

"We began designing the home for our clients who were expecting their first child and looking to build their family home. The brief for the 5,381-square-foot block was to create a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with multiple living spaces. The block runs in a north south direction. In order to gain as much natural light and solar heat gain as possible, a pair of pitched roofs captures the natural light and frames the sky. The addition runs along the western side of the block opening up to an eastern garden maintaining a mature pear tree that aligns directly with the meals area. On the other side of the meals, a view is shared to a cacti gallery that runs the western boundary. Perforated steel awnings control the morning light filtering into the living kitchen and meals area which all share views onto the garden. Above the kitchen allows for internal plantings that relish in the natural light creating an extra layer of garden to the living experience.

"Our client Sam shared memories of his grandparents midcentury home growing up. Subtle introductions of crazy paving bluestone and timber reference the era while the brickwork on the addition nods to the original home with English bond for those with the keen eye. The curvature inspired by the Capri theatre and sharp geometric form that was driven from passive performance developed a motif that has rolled out from detailing joinery cut outs, mirrored cabinets, and front fence details. Underneath the arbor at the back of the yard a vignette of the architectural expression is manifested in a pizza oven that grounds a thoroughfare axis through the entire house. Since completion of the house our clients now have three children that have filled the bedrooms to complete the family home."