2012 National Architecture Awards: Residential – Houses

Jury citation

Located on the site of a former cheese factory, the Queens-berry Street House highlights the nuances of the surrounding context. The subtle play of brick patterning signals a careful consideration for the craft of building. Formally, the building sits between industrial and residential, providing a level of ambiguity in keeping with a corner laneway condition.

A sense of retreat takes over upon entry through the industrial galvanized steel door. A vertical courtyard allows penetration of natural light to the spaces above and below. A series of planes and large sliding “walls” define myriad intricate spaces. Pockets of folding planes on the ground level allow for privacy while connecting users to the spaces beyond; this interconnected environment nurtures the inhabitant.

The upper floor is dedicated to communal living, with the spaces separated by the glazed courtyard. An industrial palette is softened by swathes of cloud-like curtains. On the eastern facade, large perforated screens are drawn by winch to the desired location, providing screening from the sun, privacy when required and a textural aspect out to the inner-suburban landscape of North Melbourne.