An Internal Seamless Story of Living - Armadale 4 by Pleysier Perkins

Project Feature

Armadale, VIC, Australia

Affectionately named ‘the Eagle’s Nest’, Armadale 4 is an extension to a previously conceived industrial abode, where Pleysier Perkins lend their signature timeless approach to the clients’ brief for a calming escape.

Perched atop the current residence, also by Pleysier Perkins twelve years prior, rests a place of total escape – the Eagle’s Nest. Positioned as a discreetly set back addition, Armadale 4 is a considered and sympathetic intervention, sitting calm amongst the treetops. Envisioned as a retreat for the owners, the penthouse is an addition to a double-volumed concrete-clad warehouse where a series of controlled openings allow for beautifully crafted landscapes and vistas of the neighbourhood.

Known for a contemporary simplicity, Pleysier Perkins is prided on their close collaboration with their residential clients for these bespoke and less-traditional typographies. Internally, there is a less stark approach to materiality. A combination of white rendered walls and with warming timber accents, there is an ageless affectionately in this space. Together with a palette of natural stone, and warm and soft greys and whites, the ascension up into this space is a welcomed one.

Positioned as a discreetly setback purposed addition, Armadale 4 by Pleysier Perkins is a considered and slight intervention, sitting calming amongst the treetops.

Designed to be an extension of the existing building, a similar language of the industrial-style renovation below is integrated into the new. Through slot-style skylights, expanded-height volumes and additional exposed structure, an internal seamless story of living is created. Almost as the axis from which all other elements pivot, above the circular stair is a beautifully round skylight, echoing the movement between the lower levels and this extension.

Together with a palette of natural stone and warm, soft greys and whites, the ascension up into this space is a welcoming one.

The approach to materiality for this addition was to infuse a sense of contrast with the architectural setting of the original base build. The aim was to create a sense of its own identity, not only through its geographical position, but also through the expression architectural elements externally. Clad in a blackened metal, there is a clear definitive divide between the robust cement-rendered mass of the original and this perched volume.

Clad in a blackened metal, there is a clear definitive divide between the robust cement-rendered mass of the original and this perched volume.

Recently completed in 2018, this latest addition was completed in spite of an array of challenges. A timeframe of a mere six months to design, document, plan, process planning and building approvals and to complete the build were not least among the list. However, according to Pleysier Perkins “with these financial and time constraints in mind, the design was quickly distilled down to its architectural imperatives: how to capture sunlight, curate views, create meaningful connection and a sense of place. The solution was predicated by the constraints but surpassed them”, resulting in a beautifully crafted and carefully manoeuvred addition.

Designed to be an extension of the existing building, a similar language of the industrial-style renovation below is integrated into the new.

The Armadale 4 Residence by Pleysier Perkins “was predicated by the constraints but surpassed them”, resulting in a beautifully crafted and carefully manoeuvred addition.