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Light Vault House
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon

Light Vault House

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The brief for this project began with “we want a concrete bunker.” Equally as excited by concrete, there was mutual trust and connection between client and architect from the very early stages of the design process. Situated on an exposed corner site, privacy from the street was central to the brief. Given the desire for privacy and the client’s love of concrete, they were keen to reduce the number of windows, leaving the public facade as uninterrupted as possible.

photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon

As a practice interested in volume and daylight and how these can draw out the richness of materials, the challenge was to unearth these opportunities whilst avoiding punctures to either street facade. By carving skylights and courtyards through the building mass, we were able to draw light into the space. A planted courtyard draws light into the entry and formal dining space. The dining space is enclosed by glazed doors, allowing light to penetrate through the hallway. A skylight over the double height entry washes light down the off-form concrete wall, highlighting the subtle changes in color and texture. A skylight over the ensuite bath similarly highlights the figured character of the marble wall lining.

photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon

Whilst the external face is monochromatic and austere, the interior - by contrast – is richly textured. The warm timber battened ceiling offsets the cool tones of the concrete, whilst also acoustically softening the space. Oak joinery, heavily figured marbles, sheer drapery, and delicate light fittings are the softer counterpart to the harder concrete architecture. The result is a house with a bold but private street presence enclosing a light-filled, richly textured and layered interior.

photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon

O resultado é uma casa com uma presença de rua ousada, mas privada, encerrando um interior cheio de luz, ricamente texturizado e em camadas.

photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
photo_credit Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon
Derek Swalwell; Styling: Beck Simon

Material usado :
1. Rockcote / Concrete - Smooth Set Render
2. Louvretec / Louvres - Pó Dulux Black Ace
3. Fachadas Wainwright + Perfil Wellington Architectural / Epsilon no Sistema de Painel Radiata Pine
4. Janelas com moldura de aço / Skyrange
5. Skyrange / Steel framed doors
6. Lovelight / cortinas transparentes
7. Whitecliffe Imports / Pave Berberi Carpet em cinza frio
8. Douglas Aplique Bec / Line, Line Pendant, & amp; Candelabro Y (jantar formal)
9. Christopher Boots / BCCA Pendant light (sala de jantar informal)
10. Darkon / Deep Down Square Surface Mount
11. CDK / acabamento antigo Pietra Gray Marble (cozinha)
12. CDK / Mármore Arabescato Afiado (ensuite principal)
13. Rogerseller / Graphite Pinch tapware (mian ensuite)
14. Apaiser / Haven Freestanding bath

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