Multi-Generational Home In A Quiet And Charming Australian Suburb

Balwyn, located in Australia is a quiet and beautiful place with an eclectic combination of houses which don’t follow a singular architectural style but rather each have their own character and are inspired by different periods and different concepts. Here, architecture studio K2Ld built a modern multi-generational home in 2015. The house takes advantage of its location, being designed to capture distant views from the side of the hill and establishing a close connection with its immediate surroundings and in particular with the trees lining the streets.

The house exterior is mostly closed off with the exception of a large corner window
The house exterior is mostly closed off with the exception of a large corner window
The house was built using local raw materials including stone and timber
The house was built using local raw materials including stone and timber

The stone-clad basement grounds the house in a simple and familiar manner while the windows and the skylights let in lots of natural light. The facade suggests a very private home, with narrow windows and screens which let in enough light and frame the beautiful views without giving away the stylish and inviting interior design. At the center of the house stands a large green stone columns which runs through all the levels, with an elegant floating staircase spiraling around it. It’s a structural feature which makes a statement and captures the essence of the relationship between nature and architecture in a vivid yet subtle manner.

The interior spaces open onto an exterior terrace which acts as a buffer between the house and the surroundings
The interior spaces open onto an exterior terrace which acts as a buffer between the house and the surroundings
Long and narrow windows let in natural light without exposing the interior to the outside world
Long and narrow windows let in natural light without exposing the interior to the outside world
At the center of the house stands a large green stone column which a floating staircase wrapped around it
At the center of the house stands a large green stone column which a floating staircase wrapped around it
Despite the lack of huge windows and openings, the indoor-outdoor connection is very strong
Despite the lack of huge windows and openings, the indoor-outdoor connection is very strong
The timber-clad exterior gives the house warmth and character, helping it blend in with nature
The timber-clad exterior gives the house warmth and character, helping it blend in with nature
The upper level spaces have large windows with shutters which actually let in plenty of light without totally blocking the views
The upper level spaces have large windows with shutters which actually let in plenty of light without totally blocking the views
The interior design is defined by neutral colors and simple, natural materials
The interior design is defined by neutral colors and simple, natural materials
The signature narrow windows complement most spaces, including the elegant bathrooms
The signature narrow windows complement most spaces, including the elegant bathrooms
Although large and open, the first floor terrace is well shielded from curious eyes
Although large and open, the first floor terrace is well shielded from curious eyes