Kew House / Vibe Design Group

Kew House / Vibe Design Group - CountertopKew House / Vibe Design Group - Facade, Windows, DeckKew House / Vibe Design Group - Windows, FacadeKew House / Vibe Design Group - Facade, GardenKew House / Vibe Design Group - More Images+ 14

Melbourne, Australia

Text description provided by the architects. The clients came to our office with the intention of moving into property development. The common ground was that they were focused on presenting projects with high design content, supporting a different visual approach. In the early design phase we were looking to create an open, more interactive street presence, which led to a very different design response.

Kew House / Vibe Design Group - Door, Chair, Countertop, Sink
© Robert Hamer

The actual front façade was inspired by the study of 60s and early 70s stereo cabinets with the slatted timber reflecting the slotted speaker elements; in this case they accommodate the covered entry and private en suite window. The house sits lightly balanced on angled steel posts again reminiscent of the stereo cabinet legs, which affords the house the appearance of floating out across the land.

Middle Floor Plan

The project sits well in its treed environs, Silvertop Ash was chosen as the cladding because its eventual grey color will blend completely and afford a sense of belonging in the treed backdrop. Silvertop Ash timber has a unique ability to assimilate into the surrounds, offering a very different visual affect. To the North the timber is still evident but only on the third story – as from this vantage point we wanted the upper level to appear as a tree house. ExoTec Façade Panel System was the other main material used because it offers a refreshing contrast to the timber.

Kew House / Vibe Design Group - Facade
© Robert Hamer

The cut out element of the living area window directs the line of sight down to the pool, BBQ area and backyard space, protecting privacy. The interior begins with a flat veneer wall on approach. Its intention is to create the feeling of being at the base of a huge tree. Practically, it houses the cloak, powder room, cellar and on into the integrated kitchen. It’s all achieved with hidden doors that, when opened, offer an unexpected surprise.

Lower Floor Plan

This house is open yet private and the timber feature wall of the interior invites visitors on a journey of discovery. The cantilevered box on the street facade internally houses the day bed and library, which interacts with the study space. Chosen for its ability to reflect the outer landscape, a glass splash back wall was placed in the study space.

Kew House / Vibe Design Group - Windows, Facade
© Robert Hamer

A dumbwaiter is included which travels up from the garage into the scullery that resides behind one of the four integrated doors in the kitchen area. The classic Calcutta Marble has been used in the bathrooms, while the kitchen has Caesar stone bench tops and a preparation cube at the end of the main island bench.

Kew House / Vibe Design Group - Sink, Bathroom
© Robert Hamer

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About this office
Cite: "Kew House / Vibe Design Group" 15 Aug 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/159379/kew-house-vibe-design-group> ISSN 0719-8884

© Robert Hamer

Kew 住宅 / Vibe Design Group

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