Heightened colors and open room connections make this house light-filled and welcoming

A house with expansive outdoor connections, will likely have light-filled interior living spaces. Introducing strong accent colours indoors is an attractive decor option, but balance is key.

This clean-lined residence is the third in a series of Hover Houses designed by architect Glen Irani the first was his own. Elevating the build form over the property frees up the ground level, creating an outdoor area complete with its own furniture and kitchen, says Irani.

"The ground-level garage to the rear anchors the structure and acts as a torsion box, safeguarding the house from lateral movement in this earthquake-prone area," says Irani. "Steel cross bracing supports the building at the front and centre of the house."

Climbing the stairs to the first floor, guest are greeted by a vibrant green, open-air atrium. This looks through a frameless sliding glass front door into the blood-red stairwell.

"The dramatic colours find mutual balance either would have overwhelmed without the other and are appropriate choices for ancillary or through spaces. The open-plan living areas beyond are finished with pale green walls and ceiling, offset by a red accent wall."

"The use of colour was effective, given the sculptural form of the house," says Irani. "Modernist and International-school architecture often favour a generous use of white, and this is a popular look. However, pale surfaces retreat visually, while bold hues help accentuate form."

The house only has 223m² of floor space, but Irani sees working with all the volumes in close proximity as a challenge.

"Vistas into and between rooms had an impact on the decor. For example, I gave the kitchen island a walnut benchtop to create a furniture-like appeal as the kitchen is a through space to the living areas. The strong blue of the cabinetry also balances the vivid green of the atrium beyond the window."

The generous use of vibrant colour is highly visible from the street contrasting the grey cladding and Irani has played this up.

"A red accent wall in the master bedroom is the same tone and orientation as another in the living room directly below. From outside, the two walls are easily read as one."

Story by: Charles Moxham