Slate House by Melbourne Design Studios - Urban Green Architecture

Melbourne Design Studios have used biophilic principles to artfully integrate their latest urban residential project, Slate House, to the surrounding natural environment to provide a greater level of wellness to the occupying family of five.

When it comes to deciding where to live, there can often be a case of compromising between the priorities of settling nearby the conveniences of an inner-city environment or the calm wide-open spaces of a more rural setting. The appeal for each option is evident, and yet the ideal scenario for most is a combination of both. In response, Melbourne Design Studios have used biophilic principles to artfully integrate their latest urban residential project, Slate House, to the surrounding natural environment to provide a greater level of wellness to the occupying family of five.

Biophilia, is defined plainly as a love for living things, and is the theory that humans hold an innate urge to seek connection with nature because of an ingrained attraction to all things living and vital. It has proven to have stress-reducing benefits and improve cognitive function. Furthermore, this craving cannot be lessened by the influence of technology and remains as fundamental as ever in our quest for wellbeing. Melbourne Design Studios implemented this method of connecting humans to nature as a successful response to their client’s brief of creating a family home that offers enrichment to each of their daily lives.

Melbourne Design Studios Have Used Biophilic Principles To Artfully Integrate Their Latest Urban Residential Project, Slate House Min

View looking over the back fence of Slate House from the neighboring park. Photographed by Peter Clarke.

The success of Slate House is a result of unpacking theories of sustainability and approaching it through different lenses to produce a bespoke and innovative design. Amongst the larger environmentally-friendly gestures are solar panels, combined with a highly efficient building shell and the precise coordination of every room except one to have northern facing access that passively assists comfortable temperature and lighting. There are also some subtler measures in place that simply bring a smile as they evoke joy to the family, such as, the hidey door between robes to connect the kid’s rooms and the backyard that opens onto the adjacent park. All are methods of sustainability in their own valuable way.

Biophilia, is defined plainly as a love for living things, and is the theory that humans hold an innate urge to seek connection with nature because of an ingrained attraction to all things living and vital.

“While crucially important, I believe sustainability refers to more just than passive solar design and water tanks. The approach to sustainability we take in our office has to include aspects of liveability, durability, materiality and engagement with nature – for me, it is really about the well-being of the person as much as the well-being of our planet.” Marc Bernstein-Hussmann, Director, Melbourne Design Studios

To The Surrounding Natural Environment To Provide A Greater Level Of Wellness To The Occupying Family Of Five

The minimalist form of Slate House from the street view explores depth of detail without ornateness. Photographed by Peter Clarke.

The upper story of Slate House stands monumentally amongst its scape by translating the forms from the neighbouring structures into an easily recognisable silhouette resulting in a familiarity that relates to the local vernacular. Below the slate extrusion is an interwoven floorplan that engages closely with the bordering gardens, blurring the distinctions between outside and in. Courtyards are formed by the organic footprint of interior spaces with ceiling-height sliding glass doors that can peel back and diminish the separation even further.

When It Comes To Deciding Where To Live, There Can Often Be A Case Of Compromising Between The Priorities Of Settling Nearby The Conveniences Of An Inner Ci

Where borders blur between inside and out. Photographed by Jack Lovell.

The floorplan takes cues from nature’s intricate methodology with tessellated spaces that offer adaptability. An important consideration to the sustainability of a family home is the ability for it to be a space that can continue to grow along with the family. Slate House provides areas of socializing and privacy throughout the design to ensure each person can utilize it in the way that they need and for years to come.

The Appeal For Each Option Is Evident, And Yet The Ideal Scenario For Most Is A Combination Of Both

Photographed by Peter Clarke.

In Response, Melbourne Design Studios Have Used Biophilic Principles To Artfully Integrate Their Latest Urban Residential Project, Slate House

Photographed by Peter Clarke.

Materials are selected with an intention of showcasing the flowing natural textures of the timber or stone, alongside more playful design decisions that create strong impact zones of aesthetic excitement. There is a linear approach to the interior that draws the sightline outward through one of the many placed windows.

Moments of calm where they might least be expected. Photographed by Jack Lovell.

North Facing Solar Panels On The Upper Story Of Slate House Peak Through The Tree Line. Photographed By Peter Clarke.

The upstairs master bedroom with rooftop garden overlooking the eucalyptus trees in the neighboring park. Photographed by Peter Clarke.

Biophilia, Is Defined Plainly As A Love For Living Things, And Is The Theory That Humans Hold An Innate Urge To Seek Connection With Nature Because Of An In

Melbourne Design Studios have explored many layers of sustainability and adaptable endurance in their design of Slate House, underpinning the significance of each decision to create a holistic and lasting place of home.