Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
Set amongst character homes in Subiaco, Western Australia, Proclamation House embraces a sculpted silhouette of asymmetrical, sweeping and angular planes ‘a contemporary “shadow”‘ of the site’s former dwelling. A restrained palette of earthy render and aluminium detailing lends rawness to the architecture, while a generous, landscaped set-back, populated with native species and fruit trees, gives back to the street and community.
Internally, the 2.5-bedroom home maximises shared living spaces within a highly efficient footprint, encouraging the multi-generational family to gather. A distinctive, stack-shaped roof carves a dramatic central void, animating the home with ever-changing light qualities. The building is unified by its dramatic, singular use of olive-toned render, obscuring boundaries between the landscape, exterior and interior to craft a feeling of unexpected immersion. Synergies between the architecture and landscape draw framed vignettes of the sky, garden and pool into the experience of home, elevating the family’s daily living rituals.
People always ask us which is our favourite space, an impossible question to answer. This house has a space for you depending on the time of day, the mood and the light. The connectivity of the house brings everyone together for meals times and entertaining. Being an intergenerational living space, it is also important to seek private space. This house has numerous areas where you can choose to connect or seek solitude. For everyone who enters, you feel transported to a space which could be anywhere, where the light dances throughout the day, where outside and inside lose their boundaries.
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.
