Contrast and connection

Designed by Michael Cooper Architects

From the architects:

Our brief called for a home that would be expressive, contemporary and enduring. 

Essentially, the owners sought a place with strong connections to light and outlook, but also one that offerred privacy, comfort and spaces that could shift between vibrant social atmospheres and quiet retreat. 

The near-coastal site provided a flat and open setting, encouraging a design that establishes presence through form and material. 

The architectural response is defined by contrast and an interplay between horizontal and vertical planes. 

A grounded masonry base offers permanence and privacy at street level while a timber clad upper level expresses a lighter, more refined element above. 

This relationship between solidity and openness became a key design driver, giving the home clarity and balance.

Arrival at the entrance to the home was designed as a journey of transition.

The ground plane shields the house from the street, yet as one moves through the entry sequence, the home gradually reveals its openness. 

This is expressed through interiors filled with natural light, framed outlooks and connections to the outdoors. 

This technique of spacial layering turns a suburban site into a rich and engaging experience.

The home's interiors respond directly to the owner’s brief. 

The ground floor is the social heart of the home, with open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas designed for interaction. 

These spaces also flow seamlessly to outdoor living zones, making the house equally suitable for family life and larger gatherings. 

In contrast, the upper levels provide calm and privacy.

Bedrooms and an office are elevated, benefitting from outlooks and natural light.

The home combines creativity with functionality – responding directly to the owners' needs. 

Spatial layering, contrasting materials and a curated sequence create an architecture that is expressive and practical.

Story by: Trendsideas