Victoria
The Judo House was designed for a couple and their young family. Both clients are Judo enthusiasts, the wife being a former Olympic Judo competitor. Besides the usual requirements of a family home, they wanted a space where they could teach the children Judo. Therefore, the basement became a multiuse space with martial arts as its core activity. Circular floor windows on the ground floor living area allow light and views to the Judo practice below.
We used the concept of the screen, with its long architectural history (such as the Morrocan and Indian screen), as well as its modern manifestations in everyday life (the television etc), as a generator of architectural space and surface for this small inner-city site.
We were away for the build so walking into our home, the realisation and relief that we can have it all on such a tight site
and location is like a dream. The neighbours followed the construction and
developed a connection with the project. Surprisingly, it’s their stories, not just the home, that
have warmly welcomed us back into the neighbourhood. We love the light, the
patterns and lines, and the staircase, and the rooftop escape, the wood panels, the raw
concrete, the hues…. They are actually invitations from the house, to visitors for us, to
explore it. It’s perfect.
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.
