Displaying posts labeled "Concrete"

Monroe Street House, a fully renovated 1899 brick rowhouse, combines historic charm with modern, sunlit interiors for a multi-generational family. TBo‘s design retains the Federal-style character while adding a spacious concrete-framed extension, featuring raw, natural materials that will develop a beautiful patina over time. Inside, airy rooms with lime-plastered walls contrast the exposed brick and Douglas fir ceiling beams lend warmth and texture. The ground floor studio opens into a polished concrete space, blending smoothly into the garden. Each floor emphasizes openness, with large windows and doors inviting light, creating a serene, flexible living space that seamlessly blends old and new.

Photography by Matthew Williams.

A home built within an old granite quarry. I cannot think of anything more beautiful. Porto and Paris based architect François Leite created a modern and minimalist dwelling here in Porto’s Lapa neighbourhood that embraces wholeheartedly the surroundings. I could not love this more. Photos: Lucile Casanova

Perched on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Norfolk Residence by Travis Walton redefines the beach house as a moody, luxurious hotel like retreat. The design offers sweeping views of Sorrento golf course and beyond. Inspired by the clients’ wish for contrast with their city home, the design features rich materials like off-form concrete, travertine floors and patinaed brass. The interior is a sequence of experiential moments, enhancing the atmosphere of raw luxury throughout.

Photography by Sharyn Cairns.

The clients sought a small house to begin caretaking 300 acres of granite country, eventually wanting to build a larger permanent residence. The design, featuring two identical gable-roofed buildings, creates a sculptural landmark that blends naturally with the rural landscape. Using earthy-toned recycled brick, radial sawn timber and galvanized roofing, the materials harmonize with the surrounding rolling hills and granite outcrops. Entirely off-grid, the home supports water, sewer and electricity needs for the future residence. Its compact, highly insulated design utilizes passive principles with deep eaves and a burnished slab to maintain comfort year-round without air-conditioning. Nulla Vale House by MRTN Architects.

Photography by Peter Bennetts.

Freshwater by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects is a beautifully designed family residence that prioritizes both function and aesthetics. The home’s crisp architectural edges create a frame that draws the eye inward, showcasing the light-filled interior and lush courtyard. Nestled in a serene suburban area, the design fosters introspection rather than outward views. The generous layout promotes a sense of spaciousness and interconnectedness, with internal vistas linking separate rooms. A single-storey rear pavilion features a skylit roof, flooding the open-plan living spaces with northern light. The sculptural kitchen island serves as a focal point, echoing the home’s design motifs. Materials like brick and concrete provide a raw, tactile quality, while timber accents soften the look. Custom terrazzo flooring with subtle pink flecks adds warmth and the timber-clad study offers a cozy retreat. Overall, the residence captures a modern essence, creating a joyful environment for family life within its leafy surroundings.

Photography by Pablo Veiga.