Modern Family House Anchored Between Two Beautiful Gardens

A lot of times when a new house takes the place of an old one the foundation and footprint remain more or less the same while everything else is completely reimagined. This was one of those cases: a family home designed by architects Fox Johnston and Modscape which was built in 2018 in a region from Tamarama, Australia.

The exterior of the house is black with warm timber accents and large expanses of glass
The exterior of the house is black with warm timber accents and large expanses of glass

The house 337 square meters of living space in total and has a footprint similar to what the old house which used to occupy the site had. The new design complements the site and serves as a connector between the front and rear gardens maximizing the connection between the indoor and the outdoor spaces.

The kitchen, dining room and living area share an open floor plan with full-height windows that welcome the outdoors in
The kitchen, dining room and living area share an open floor plan with full-height windows that welcome the outdoors in
Glass doors provide access to the front and rear gardens, maximizing the connection between the spaces
Glass doors provide access to the front and rear gardens, maximizing the connection between the spaces
The palette of materials, finishes and colors used throughout is reduced to a few simple and low-maintenance options
The palette of materials, finishes and colors used throughout is reduced to a few simple and low-maintenance options
The new house stands on the existing sandstone plinth which helps to anchor it to the site
The new house stands on the existing sandstone plinth which helps to anchor it to the site

The house takes full advantage of the sunlight and its orientation and design allow it to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. All the windows and skylights also help to ensure good cross-ventilation throughout the house. The overall design (inside and out) is meant to be primarily practical and not so much flashy, hence the humble yet elegant and timeless appearance. The exterior of the house is dark and very different from the interior which is light and airy. Features such as the kitchen bar and the living room fireplace give the open floor plan a very welcoming and comfortable feel.

The wood-paneled wall and ceiling make the living room look and feel very warm and welcoming
The wood-paneled wall and ceiling make the living room look and feel very warm and welcoming
The upper level houses five bedrooms and two bathrooms, all as charming and as simple as this one
The upper level houses five bedrooms and two bathrooms, all as charming and as simple as this one
The master bedroom has access to a balcony which reveals a wonderful view
The master bedroom has access to a balcony which reveals a wonderful view
Simplicity and functionality take center stage, giving the house a timeless and classy allure
Simplicity and functionality take center stage, giving the house a timeless and classy allure
The ground floor connects the living room, kitchen dining room and study to the lush and beautiful outdoor areas
The ground floor connects the living room, kitchen dining room and study to the lush and beautiful outdoor areas
The indoor and the outdoor spaces are seamlessly connected and perfectly balanced
The indoor and the outdoor spaces are seamlessly connected and perfectly balanced