When architecture and its surrounding landscape combine magic happens. When a building addresses its site the experience of the space is heightened, enriched. A limited palette of materials, concrete flooring, blocks and timber accents are a counterfoil to that view, stunning glimpses through native trees to Bass Strait. The House at Big Hill by Melbourne based Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) draws the occupant through its dark, triangular space towards the vista while light and shadow cocoon and envelop the interiors.

This North Fitzroy, Melbourne extension is unapologetically new. The original house is Edwardian era but the contemporary double height addition with an emphasis on glass allows the light to filter into the space, opening out and extending the spaces. (Love the ribbon of louvers that repeats around the house.) The loft bedroom looks down on kitchen, dining and living areas that focus on the rawness of the building materials to provide interest and stimulation. Unique, functional, elegantly spare. By AM. Architecture.

Melbourne based AM. Architecture creates buildings of their time and yet timeless. There is a calmness and a simple presence to their work. Form and functional not flashy and fake. That doesn’t mean drab and cookie cutter either. This Hawthorn house is a case point. The existing Victorian era home was restored and freed from generations of fragmented renovations while the new extension took the house into the 21st century and provided a focus for open plan family living with a strong connection to the outdoors. Love the strong linear connection between the walk in pantry, kitchen bench that transforms into dining table.

Not the view from the window but the view in the window. Pretty and dare I say practical… that is if your view is less than inspiring. Beautiful shot by Julia Hoersch.

Stylist, art director, interior designer, creative. Many hats, one man – Stef Bakker of the Amsterdam based Studio Bakker. Moody greys, industrial elements, vintage, warm wood and patina. It’s a tactile, stimulating and inspiring.