Displaying posts labeled "Concrete"

Portsea Beach House by Melbourne-based AM Architecture is a coastal retreat designed for a family of five on an expansive site with stunning views of Portsea and the bay. A concrete pavilion houses the main living areas and master suite, opening on both sides to blend seamlessly with the landscape. A timber-clad L-shaped wing contains bedrooms and amenities, creating distinct zones for parents and children. The material palette of washed-out timbers and natural hues enhances the home’s connection to its surroundings. Native grasses, a swimming pool and a tennis court integrate the design with nature, offering a tranquil escape from urban life.

Photography by Dianna Snape.

A serene Scandinavian retreat in Sweden by Studio Own Architecture blends wood, black and concrete for a refined yet understated elegance. Expansive windows frame the natural landscape, filling the minimalist interior with light. Clean lines and open spaces create a sense of calm, while concrete adds an industrial touch and black accents provide contrast. Outdoor decks seamlessly connect to nature, offering a tranquil escape for relaxation and modern living in the wilderness.

Bassano is the transformation and combination of two cabins in Red Hill to create a luxurious retreat as a private suite and an artist studio. The exteriors of the cabin meet the natural landscape through a blend of pale brick and timber battens. Inside, the experience contrasts through industrial materialities and bold forms, such as in the steel spine and travertine floor tiles. Traditional ceiling beams pay homage to the region’s farmhouses, and constant views of surrounding farmland maintain a connection to the environment. A central reeded glass wall separates the two zones of the living quarters. One side contains a kitchen, breakfast nook, lounge and fireplace, while the other features the main bedroom, robe, and a centrepiece custom concrete bath dramatically illuminated by a skylight. The result is a richly textured space with a keen sense of individuality, creativity and comfort.
I really love the edgy coolness of this retreat. Not sure which is my favourite element – that statement bath/basin/skylight combo or the dark steel kitchen. Designed by Tom Robertson Architects. Interior design: Simone Haag. Photos: Derek Swalwell.

Emplacement by NFT Architecture is a thoughtfully designed forever home, seamlessly blending into South Yarra’s established streetscape. Created for a young, growing family, the design emphasizes permanence, adaptability, connection and context. Balancing efficiency with generosity, the home evolves to meet changing needs, offering spaces that expand, contract, and foster both closeness and independence. Light-filled, outwardly connected interiors embrace the landscape, creating a serene sanctuary. Emplacement serves as a timeless canvas for life and personal expression.

Photography by Tom Blachford.

Once an abandoned piggery, The Makers Barn by HUTCH has transformed into a stunning example of elemental architecture that pays homage to its agricultural roots. Inspired by nearby Tudor cottages, its pitched roof and larch-clad exterior create a utilitarian silhouette amidst tall grasses and wildflowers on London’s rural edge. A board-formed concrete chimney rises from the structure, echoing Brutalist influences, while the interiors balance rustic and industrial elements. The space features a steel table on a soft rug, a mid-century modular sofa lit by a sculptural 1980s lamp, and end-grain mosaic floors. The artisanal kitchen showcases crafted details, including Dorset-forged steel skillets and a window framing the surrounding meadow. Designed for flow, the barn incorporates open sightlines and frameless windows to blur the line between indoors and nature. A concrete shower beneath the sky and a sunken bath evoke natural springs. With its clay ceilings, thick pinkish walls, and straw-hued palette, the barn blends earthen architecture with quiet luxury. Thoughtfully furnished with local craftsmanship, it exudes a modest, restorative charm.

Photography by Helen Cathcart.