Technē Architecture + Interior Design’s most recent residential project, Bell Street House, balances industrial influences and warm minimalism to create an entertainer’s haven in the heart of Richmond.
The client brief called for a contemporary family home that would accommodate their love for entertaining. Thoughtfully responding to this brief, Technē undertook a full reconfiguration of the existing floorplan to maximise space and improve connectivity within the home.
“It was important to create openness and continuity between the interior and exterior spaces, allowing the home to respond flexibly to the needs of its owners,” says Technē senior interior designer and project leader Jonny Mitchell.
By introducing new front and rear courtyards, as well as striking external windows and doors, a sense of cohesion has been achieved and movement is encouraged between the interior and exterior spaces.
The result is an open, flexible living area that is flooded with natural light perfect for intimate family moments as well as bustling social gatherings. “We wanted to achieve a sense of minimalism and openness without sacrificing the sense of warmth that is so integral to family homes,” says Mitchell.
“Richmond still retains many references to its past as a manufacturing hub and this set the tone for our design response.”
Taking subtle cues from Richmond’s industrial heritage, a material palette rich in rendered brickwork, matte black fixtures and stone captures the urban spirit of the home’s surrounds.
“Introducing texture throughout the interiors softened the largely monochromatic colour palette,” says Mitchell.
“Warm timber flooring and joinery, marble and plush chunky knitted carpet brings texture and dimension to the living spaces.”
Each courtyard space is bracketed by dramatic, double height industrial doors, drawing the eye through the home and into its refined courtyard spaces.
An outdoor kitchen rendered in contrasting matte charcoal laminate and grey stone carries the monochromatic interior palette outdoors, effectively extending the entertaining spaces.
Vertical gardens and an abundance of greenery throughout the courtyard spaces create an urban oasis for all seasons.
Bell Street is a considered response to the complex needs of contemporary, inner-city family life, balancing an intelligent use of space with an understated and inviting urban aesthetic.
