A small site, with almost square proportions, provided a challenge for a client with high aspirations for their future dwelling. A brand new build, the key move for this project was to locate the main volume of the house biased towards the southern boundary of the site. This volume is to contain the main living areas at ground floor and the private family rooms upstairs.

​

Visibility into neighbouring interiors and private open areas had to be mitigated and the use of breeze blocks with a custom designed perforation provided the perfect solution. Transparent and frosted glass inserts strategically located provide the adequate visual protection for the neighbouring dwellings. The perforated wall is the main skin of the house, acting as a screen providing transparency and access to natural light.

The kitchen block is a smaller and more tactile element, clad in timber as a contrast to the main building block. Set back from the street, it articulates the project’s street frontage response to adapt to its neighbouring buildings and the street’s heritage character. Sitting between the external areas, the kitchen block is a central piece where the kitchen, laundry and a mud room are strategically located.

​

With the use of simple and humble materials in an innovative approach, Screen House slots within its surroundings with a modern, yet thoughtful design.