Location
East Melbourne
Project
Eastbourne Residence
Interior & Photo credit
Architecture and Interior: Eastop Architects | Photography: Willem-Dirk du Toit

Eastop Architects were presented with a compact site embedded in a tight, one-way street of a busy part of Windsor. Sculpted by the constraints of its tight, inner-suburban site, this bold spatial solution that diminished limitations, further elevated the lives of a young family.

The approach to materials is restrained yet layered throughout with juxtaposition of dark and light, rough and smooth, matte and reflective. A series of robust concrete blade walls interspersed with frameless glazing compose a rhythmic podium at ground level, upon which the delicate upper level, comprised of charred timber battens, lightly sits.
The home's external facade is protected by large concrete blade walls, while a carport doubles as an extended functional space for gathering. An oversized glazed pivot wall is opens connecting the living, dining and internal courtyard in the foreground. Operable shutters allow the facade to shut down, but also animate interaction with the street context.
Internally, the living space is maintained on the ground floor, with a large 4x4m skylight light framing a textured blade wall and dining area. The light-well acts as the central focal point for the house.
To the rear, a large courtyard of lush planting softens the house and is framed by operable steel bi-fold glass doors. Eastbourne is an introspective home that skilfully balances privacy and connection.