Studiofour

Ruxton Residence / studiofour

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath

RUXTON RESIDENCE

Studiofour

ARCHITECTS
Studiofour

DESIGN TEAM
Sarah Henry, Annabelle Berryman

CLIENTS
Sarah Henry

MANUFACTURERS
Autodesk, Mark Tuckey, Adobe Systems Incorporated, Concrete Floor, National Masonary Company, Policrete, Render It Oz, Trimble Navigation

CONSULTANTS
Uwood Projects

LANDSCAPE
Studiofour

ENGINEERING
Webb Consult

PHOTOGRAPHS
Shannon Mcgrath

AREA
180 M²

SITE AREA
400 M2

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Melbourne, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses

Ruxton Rise Residence is based on the clients’ three key values for life; family, health, and integrity.

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath

The home isn’t just a physical structure, but a structure of the family’s beliefs.

The objective was to create a little bit of something precious rather than a lot of something mediocre.

At its core, the design for this home was based on an exploration into our clients desired way of living and providing the physical framework necessary for this ideal, and for the families’ beliefs to be realized.

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath

The brief for this home was to celebrate the beauty in the ordinary things of everyday life and the design was led by the fundamental principle that simplicity enables idleness, and the time we spend idle makes for a healthier state of mind. When we are idle, we want less and are more at peace when we get it.

Descending from the street front, down a narrow stair, the internal garden is unveiled as one enters the building.

The house envelopes the central garden, connecting all internal living spaces, and turning the experience of the home from inside to out.

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath

The deep fascia to the courtyard blocks out views of the surrounding neighboring houses while maintaining views of the significant cedar trees beyond.

Creating a courtyard house with expansive glazing and opportunities for spilling outdoors, the inhabitants can synchronize themselves with their surrounding natural environment, and reconnect with the undulation of the day and the restorative power of sunlight.

The landscape, and its movement and shadows, provide a calming effect that permeates the whole house.

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath

Honesty in the design was sought and this led to humility and integrity in the built fabric.

The focus was on the experience rather than the form, and all importance was placed on this quality of experience rather than any visual statement.

Materials and building techniques were selected for their honesty, as well as their ability to patina over time, as it is important a house gets more beautiful as it ages.

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath

By reducing the footprint to what is necessary and by relying on authentic honest materials and construction techniques, the budget could be redirected towards the creation of a passive home, minimizing ongoing costs, both financial and environmental.

Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath


Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath
Ruxton Residence / studiofour
© Shannon McGrath


Ruxton Residence / studiofour
Plan

Studiofour
T +61 3 98223222
Studiofour
1A Mercer Rd, Armadale VIC 3143, Australia