Questioning the Status Quo - One Mani House by Mani Architecture

The project arose from Mani Architecture’s frustration with the typical approach to design and development and desire to emphasise the value of architectural design. Leading by example, Mani Architecture acted as both client and architect to create an exemplar as a proposition to developers that showcases the powerful results of an approach that challenges the traditional typology. Located in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, the home is a life-sized model for an inclusive approach, designed and built unencumbered by the typical client-developer-architect structure and chain of command. The resulting home sees ideas put into practice, bringing to life a vision for a more flexible and responsive approach residential design.

Built over two storeys and just over 300 square metres in liveable floor space, the home encompasses four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, built-in robes, joinery and custom furniture. Throughout the use of skylights were integrated to allow for an extension of the internal space and connect to a natural light source concurrently. Multiple entries suggest flexibility of use by multiple family tenancies or the potential for Airbnb short-stay leasing, exemplifying the design team’s attention to the need for contemporary housing to respond an array of potential outcomes.

The resulting home sees ideas put into practice, bringing to life a vision for a more flexible and responsive approach residential design.

Bringing together local makers, artisans and an innovative architectural thinking, Mani House proposes a more considered residential typology.