An Exploration of Thresholds – Cove House by Justin Humphrey Architect

Under a single floating roofline and sitting within the site’s boundary on all four sides, the home is able to engage with the neighbourhood uniquely on three of its sides. Through both materiality and planting, this edge of relief allows for an uncommon engagement with passers-by with the home beyond the singular streetscape frontage. The choice of robust concrete coming together with warm timber further adds to expressing connections through their contrasting nature. The finely tapered roof then sits atop the concrete easement wall, providing both a sense of support and another expression of junction.

Built by BJ Millar Constructions, together with Dan Deshon Landscaping, the clients love of subtropical architecture was the catalyst for the resulting form and relationship between internal and external spaces. Upon approach, the garden room becomes the first threshold between the private and the public, softening the transition. The play on enclosure is contrasted by the open sky, access to views of the water and the subtropical landscaping elements. These garden spaces are then dotted throughout, continuing these series of moments of relief from the traditionally enclosed residential typology.