Brighton Residence II in Melbourne by Tecture & Studio Tate.

Driven by the client’s desire for a characterful home that stands out amongst the suburban streets of Brighton, Studio Tate and Tecture came together to conceive a family home of both function and flair. Having identified Melbourne’s bayside aesthetic as largely traditional and conservative, Tecture imagined a bold and textured external structure brought to life with timber, brick and glass.

Finding inspiration in simple yet effective forms that balance pragmatism with personality, Studio Tate’s interior thoughtfully echoes the exterior, creating cohesive connection inside and out. The exterior brickwork is mirrored in the living room hearth, calling on the same material, while additional architectural finishes such as textured wall tiles and graphic terrazzo enhance the sense of harmony.

The family home comprises three bedrooms, a private guest suite, dual living zones, family rumpus, study, outdoor dining, pool and pool house. Steel-framed fluted glass doors separate the two adjacent living spaces, a contemporary interpretation of traditional glazed internal passages. A sunken lounge in the secondary space encourages intimacy, with navy carpet, soft grey paint, bold furniture and artwork creating a subterranean cocoon.

Nearby, the open plan kitchen is anchored by a large island bench made of reconstituted stone. A slimline pendant balances overhead, subtly reinforcing the straight lines and restraint established by custom joinery and timber flooring. Expansive glazing and large, strategically placed windows fill the open plan living, dining and kitchen with vast swathes of light. Skylights and an immense void above the dining area enhance a connection to the elements.

The home is unified by a controlled architectural approach, further explored by Tecture in the interplay and expression of various bricklaying techniques. The idea of merging coastal materiality with the urban nature of bricks became a design ideology, showcased in pattern and repetition. The bathrooms too showcase geometry, with walls clad by a repetitive tiled grid.

[Images courtesy of Tecture & Studio Tate. Photography by Derek Swalwell.]