ellivo architects builds contemporary home in historical neighborhood

ellivo architects builds contemporary home in historical neighborhood
photo © scott burrows
all images courtesy of ellivo architects

designed by and for ellivo architects‘ principal and his family, the challenge of the ‘paddington residence’ was to bring a contemporary home to the context of a historical neighborhood. the existing 400-meter site presented additional dilemmas and opportunities including a 100-year-old protected fig tree, a three meter-wide lane way, and a steep 14-degree slope. beyond satisfying the client’s spatial requirements, the residence is a clear and flexible solution, creating simple, layered spaces that maximize natural light, breezes, and views while providing ample privacy for its inhabitants.

view of the residence with its interior lit at night
photo © scott burrows

the parti for the home is a procession of five distinct areas, each with their own function, seamlessly transitioning from the fig tree to the west and the scenery of the city to the east. the zones begin with the front entry deck defined by the canopy of the sapling that flows to the kitchen through a pair of bi-fold doors. these doors then open to the heart of the home – a double height dining volume that functions as a central hub and meeting point. next is the more intimate volume of the living space, which opens up and transforms via large, flexible, sliding glass doors to the main deck. from here, the family can retreat to their own private spaces. the parents’ suite forms a loft-like space looking towards the city and down into the dining space. conversely, their teenager’s room overlooks the pool and the rest of the neighborhood.

(left) the deck receives natural sunlight during the day
(right) the deck is lit by beams projecting from the interior at night
photo © scott burrows

the open-planned nature of the living spaces allows the occupants to choose what areas they inhabit depending on the time of year and the time of day. during mild temperatures, 16 meters of sliding glass in the living and dining areas work in tandem with high-level louvres in the master bedroom to draw the prevailing south-east breezes through the home to provide cross ventilation. the versatility of the sliding doors and curtains also allows the choice between complete privacy or openness. materials throughout the house are used in a raw and exposed manner. folded steel staircases, handmade steel railings, and burnished concrete floors illustrate how they were created and are allowed to naturally weather or rust.

view of the pool
photo © scott burrows

a bookshelf provides a railing and unique visual for the loft
photo © scott burrows

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