Inspired by an impressive collection of sketches, artwork, objects and design ideas, Brick House project by Studio Roam and With Architecture Studio is beautifully unique and functional, committed to its endeavour to host the client's family for years to come. Designed to enhance the everyday experiences, and eventually act as a twin to a matching terrace home, Brick House is an ode to family memories and stories.
Located on the northern side of the well-known Mary Street in suburban Perth, famous for the dense canopy of fig trees that line the inner-city street, the site required the demolition of the original cottage to give way to the new Brick House. In the wake of the monumental start to the design process, the lot was reconfigured with a life-long masterplan in mind. A second terrace home could be built on the lot following the removal of a lightweight garage and patio; a mirror image in plan and a family legacy to be passed onto the client's children in due time.
This lot division resulted in two narrow allotments, with the first lot destined to host Brick House, capitalising on its 5m width. The second lot would contain a temporary garden with outdoor entertaining and double garage, all of which could be dismantled and removed in the future in place of the second terrace home's construction.
Exploring the use of texture and materiality, the home's unconventional brick façade features oozing, crusty mortar leaking from between the seams. Expected to stain and patina over time from the falling debris of the fig tree canopy overhead, the finish has proved extremely divisive among onlookers. The homeowners however are delighted the incidental design feature has stirred up discussion. The homes façades also accommodate two large window boxes, one facing Mary Street and the other overlooking the rear garden. The windows facilitate connection between the indoors and outdoors, especially the street below - the clients often find themselves engaged in conversation with those passing by the window boxes since they moved in.
Integral to the vision of Studio Roam and the clients, who are architects themselves, was to maintain a sense of honesty and integrity of materials. The materials used throughout the home are humble, common and conventional, but rely on the craftsmanship of the trades to ensure their refined (or in the case of the façade, intentionally unrefined) finish. Each weld and each brick laid are on display as a finished surface.
The decision to use humble materials is most evident in the use of utility brick throughout the home, which has been left free of render or paint. It's raw state is an ode to the craftsmanship of the bricklayer and the builder. Further exploring simple materiality, plywood cabinetry runs the length of the entry corridor, doubling as a means of dividing the ground floor plan into cave-like spaces. This design is mirrored on the upper level, with plywood cabinetry acting as a functional spine to the kitchen, dining and living spaces.
A sculptural steel staircase acts as the centrepiece to the home, running parallel to a small courtyard garden. As well as facilitating the penetration of light, air and views between inside and out, it encourages both a figurative and literal dialogue between the spaces created through the home's simple floor plan arrangement.
Refined, robust, functional - all words that could be used to describe Brick House by Studio Roam and With Architecture Studio. The home is the result of close collaboration between the design team and clients, resulting in a unique residence, that enhances the humdrum of everyday life and silently awaits its eventual rebirth in a second terrace home.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Highgate, WA
Architecture: Studio Roam & With Architecture Studio
Interior Design: Studio Roam
Builder: Assemble Building Co.
Photographer: Jack Lovel
NOW HIRING
Studio Roam is currently seeking an Architect, Graduate or Interior Designer to join their Fremantle office. If you have experience in the delivery of bespoke architectural projects through documentation and construction, you can head directly to the CO-architecture job listing for further details and to apply.
CO-ARCHITECTURE COMPANY PROFILE
To find out more about Studio Roam's work you can view their Company profile on CO-architecture where you can view more of their exciting projects, such as The Beaufort.
