Wurundjeri
Victorian
Embedded with a strong sustainability ethos, Darebin House is a new family home sited opposite Darebin Parklands in Alphington.
The two-story house is wrapped in zinc shingles of three shades, a contextual nod to the tonal colours within the eucalyptus trees of the adjacent park. The house is conceived as a cubic form, into which openings are punched and internally volumes are carved, to create intersecting spaces.
This is not only a family home, but also a sanctuary composed of natural materials and with space to wash away the dirt of the city on arrival. A large double height ‘big room’ allows for the family to come together in a space where large windows and openings blur the boundary between interior and exterior. Bedrooms have elevated views to the parklands and a central timber catwalk that punches through the rear façade creates a dialogue with the pool and garden.
We enjoy the carefully designed layout of the house as it gives us a beautiful open, functional and communicative space for our daily life as a family, but also for entertaining and hosting guests without impacting on our privacy.
One of our favourite spots is the large built-in sofa to enjoy the stunning view of the pool, garden and sky, framed by the large picture window.
The skylights produce an interesting pattern of shadows, the colours of the zinc facade tiles are ever-changing with the varying light of the Melbourne sky.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
