Narrow sites and smaller residences tend to provide architects with an opportunity – one that inspires creativity and innovation. This is true of Concrete Curtain, an architect’s own home in inner-city Melbourne, where FGR Architects evocatively draws on materiality and natural light, imbuing the architecture of the family home with a sense of elegance and spaciousness. Upon entering the architect’s own home, one is met with a garage that is flanked by an ensuite, study and laundry. The house tour then leads into the central foyer area – a core part of the dwelling that allows light to enter from the east and west. The lower part of the residence contains the kitchen, living and dining area that then naturally flows out towards the al fresco dining area. The spiral staircase leads to the second level, which is split into two segments. On the northern side is the master suite, and on the southern end is the childrens’ bedrooms. This floor also features a playful, blue carpet, which adds vibrancy to the upstairs level. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the architect’s own home is the concrete curtain, which reveals FGR Architects’s intention to illuminate areas with natural light. Wanting to create a sense of space, the architect leveraged the idea of a sheer curtain to allow for both privacy and openness. As such, the concrete ‘cylinders’ are spaced out in a way that emulates the fold of a curtain. The result is a remarkable feature with a gentle, pleated style that softens the residence and lets light pass through seamlessly. The interior design and materiality of the architect’s own home is vital to its overall effect. The natural materials used create a sense of calm and complement the sunlight entering the abode, which delivers a beautiful finish and sense of connection to the property. FGR Architects uses Artedomus stone and tiles – Quartzite and Travertine – which are integral to the overall design of the home. The Artedomus Quartzite provides a fresh tone and finish throughout, whilst Artedomus Travertine beautifully clads the ground-floor fireplace and kitchen. An elegant imagining of an architect’s own home, Concrete Curtain encompasses the very best of innovative design. Light, privacy and connection all coalesce to create a house that is simultaneously soft and textured. 00:00 – Introduction to the Architect’s Own Home
01:29 – Designed for a Growing Family
01:39 – A Walkthrough of the Home
03:13 – Playful Additions
03:49 – The Use of Stone Throughout the Home
05:27 – The Calming Materials
05:46 – Proud Moments For more from The Local Project: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thelocalproject/ Website – https://thelocalproject.com.au/ Print Publication – https://thelocalproject.com.au/publication/ Hardcover Book – https://thelocalproject.com.au/book/ The Local Project Marketplace – https://thelocalproject.com.au/marketplace/ To subscribe to The Local Project’s Tri-Annual Print Publication see here – https://thelocalproject.com.au/subscribe/ Photography by Timothy Kaye.
Architecture, Interior Design and Styling by FGR Architects.
Build by Justin Gee Building.
Engineering by Intrax Consulting Group.
Joinery by Moorabbin Cabinets.
Stone and Tiles by Artedomus.
Filmed by The Local Project.
Edited by Luey Conway.
Production by The Local Project.
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Location: Toorak, Victoria, Australia The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of First Nations peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people of these lands. #AnArchitectsOwnHome #HouseTour #TheLocalProject
