Stickybeak of the Week: A Contemporary Family Home... on a Slope
This modern East Fremantle home presented both build and design challenges. See the clever ways these were overcome
The day interior architect Leon House was approached to design this residential project, he knew he was taking on a challenge, although he did have an ace up his sleeve. The quarter-acre block on which the home was to be built had a 5.5 metre decline and a total depth of 50 metres. This meant extensive planning was required to give his clients the home they wanted… and within a tight budget.
Ground floor plan
In keeping with the slope and depth of the plot, the residence has been built as a double-storey structure with the shared or sociable areas on the entry level and bedrooms downstairs.
Although the slope of the land was flagged as an early problem, it became a non-issue for House and his team once the ‘sociability’ area was developed at the top of the block. Contrary to most homes that feature pool areas and alfresco spaces towards the back of the property, this design brings these elements out front towards the entryway.
“Once the pool was connected to the land, this became a great place to build a platform from. This meant that the roof structure, shadows, and floor plans were also resolved. The sun, which was our enemy, became a friend,” says House.
“Once the pool was connected to the land, this became a great place to build a platform from. This meant that the roof structure, shadows, and floor plans were also resolved. The sun, which was our enemy, became a friend,” says House.
The entry floor opens to an expansive open-plan living, dining and kitchen area with a separate home office, powder room and laundry. The alfresco area and pool are on the same level, so the children remain connected with their parents while splashing around in the pool.
This floor also boasts a stunning wide balcony with privacy screens flanking either end.
The north-facing balcony opens up the stunning views of the Swan River, while bringing in oodles of sunshine and breezes through the day.
Speaking about his design for this project, House says he went to the nth degree on the open-plan brief. “I don’t like dividers in between spaces if I can help it. In fact, working with an open-plan design was a big part of the design process.”
The interior reflects the sought-after contemporary-minimalist aesthetic with dashes of luxury. A black and white palette dominates the colour scheme with hints of colour to liven up the space.
Much of the timber featured in the home is stained oak. Light ivory travertine from Bernini Stone, which has grey and beige undertones, provides contrast.
This powder room is a study in dramatic black.
In the dining area, a 3.6-metre-long custom-designed table makes a chic statement. The aim was to help the owners entertain large groups of people. A stunning artwork forms a fitting backdrop, while a cluster of custom-designed lamps inject
drama.
drama.
In the living area, a TV is hung on a stained feature wall that doubles as storage. This fulfilled the homeowners’ request that the TV not act as a focal point in the room.
In the living a room, a pair of green armchairs from Merlino adds vibrancy to the setting. The marble coffee table is from the same company.
Lower floor plan
From the upper level, stairs that feature a timber batten balustrade guide the family down to an equally expansive lower level. This floor features all five bedrooms, an additional living area, a study and kitchenette.
The lower-level living area opens out into a lush lawn through floor-to-ceiling glazing, helping the owners embrace the verdant outdoor views. The black-and- white theme is accentuated with smoked-oak flooring stained with imported Arabic seed oil.
Translucent curtains lend privacy to the rooms while helping the indoors stay naturally lit throughout the day.
The build spanned roughly 18 months, given that council permissions were key to the success of this project. But today the home showcases intuitive design, accommodating the needs of the family without compromising on look, feel or functionality.
West elevation
East elevation
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Tell us
What do you like most about this project? Tell us in the Comments section below and join the conversation today.
More
Take a stickybeak at more homes on Houzz
Who lives here: A couple with three children
Location: East Fremantle, WA
Size: 525 square metres; 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 powder rooms
Designer: Leon House Design
The brief the couple gave to House included sociability and connectivity between spaces, and more specifically large living and entertaining areas with separate zones for the kids. Also on the wish list were a home office and a pool.