The Journey Home - Blinco Street House by Philip Stejskal Architecture

The materiality of Blinco Street House is not revolutionary in itself, but it is the application of materials that makes the project so memorable by displaying a lateral approach to rudimentary products. Director Phillip describes how “the client wanted to kick off his shoes, walk in off the beach, and have his friends over without worrying too much. The surfaces have been designed with this in mind, as robust and hardy finishes.”

The definition of each space is informed by the stages of re-orientation from work, to restful, and eventually more social modes, beginning with the entry from the back of the block into a lush, protected garden to the front door. “Together with the client we devised an entrance sequence to perform the initial reset,” Phillip says.

As the stairs rise towards the first level, the tread changes from black to white, in sync with the lightening of materials that represents this transition of phases. Crisp, clean lines and lime-washed timbers define the first-floor which comprises of three bedrooms and a bathroom. For shading and privacy, operable shutters of Hardie Lattice are applied over the windows.

Light dapples through sculptural perforations and screens throughout the entire project ,allowing visual connection between spaces and the gentleness of indirect light. Visually delighting play between light and shadow draw geometric shapes and textures that layer the space as they move with the day. Refreshing air flows with ease through the property thanks to the ventilation that is allowed by this approach of spatial division.

The rooftop level is an expression of openness where connection to the outside world is established with expansive views. A place where once the union has been established with self and place, can invite a larger community to socialise and unwind.