Balance & Seclusion - Nelson House by Neil Architecture

“The site is opposite an open space reserve and is afforded great views of the city,” he continues, which mean that “the design needed to balance the desire for an open, light-filled house whilst maintaining some privacy.” This challenge was addressed through the elegant gesture of an operable façade, layering mesh screens that retract entirely into a solid brick panel. “During the day, the screens are actually quite transparent when you’re inside, allowing you to play with various configurations without affecting the quality of light or the distant views,” Jack says. The result is a building that subtly yet palpably shifts from day to night. At daytime, with the sun shining on the white perforated steel screens the effect, together with the brick, is “quite a monolithic, solid form which appears to float above the ground floor.” As evening descends, light shines from within and the screens become more transparent, leading the house to take on a much softer feel.

“This project represents the next phase of their lives, with both children now at university, they felt now was the right time to downsize and move to the inner city.”

An emphasis on natural materiality and the continuation of brickwork and timber throughout the architecture and interiors, combined with considered openings, further enhance the sense of connection between inside and the broader site. This reflects Neil Architecture’s overarching holistic approach to architecture, interiors and landscaping, Jack explains. “In this project especially, the relationship between interiors, exteriors and landscape is very interconnected in our attempt to draw the distant outside spaces inside. We’ve used the same materials, bricks, white screens and timber, both inside and outside. Rooms flow casually out to numerous terrace and courtyards; internal spaces are punctuated by large linear skylights flooding them with light.”

Strategically-placed glazing is complemented by a number of built-in planters and gardens tucked in and around the house, created in collaboration with Bethany Williamson Landscape Architect, which will grow over with time and enhance the internal outlook. Meanwhile, the bricks that feature both internally and externally are locally-produced in Victoria and contribute a subtle natural variation in colour and tone, “so even though they’re a feature in their own right, they’re not overwhelming. We wanted the architecture to have a lightness to it,” Jack adds. This is further emphasised by the warmth of natural materials with the use of grey-washed oak and grey travertine floors sourced from Spain.

Through the architects’ prevailing holistic approach, Nelson House achieves the delicate balance between openness and retreat. The result is a carefully planned, layered home that will serve its inhabitants into the future.