The Story Behind the Design
With a desire for privacy, rosewood screening has been artfully fitted to the façade over the singular window, adding warmth and texture to the neutral palette. The slatted formation allows light to enter the interior while obscuring visibility from the outside.
The cloud-inspired home has been designed for a professional couple with a view for the house to evolve into a family home, explains architect Kelvin Ho. The architectural programme consisted of two structures: the ground floor focusing on the living spaces and the upper level housing the bedrooms. “The two structures are interconnected by the internal courtyard on the ground level, and the open walkway on the upper level”, says Kelvin.The building’s position was integral to the overall success of the design with the living spaces opening towards the east to benefit from the morning sun. Throughout the day, sunlight floods into the double height living space via the internal courtyard.
"The concept was to maximise the opportunity for light to interact with the interior and exterior surfaces of the home, like the facets of a cloud."
Linda Tjaturono
Take A Closer Look
“The concept was to maximise the opportunity for light to interact with the interior and exterior surfaces of the home, like the facets of a cloud”, explains interior architect Linda Tjaturono.Expansive skylights allow for additional light to penetrate the interior, illuminating the spaces and casting shadows across the geometric plains. This, together with the re-use of the recycled bricks to create the double height wall in the living space, Kelvin notes were significant successes of the project.
"The curved profile of these pieces complements the otherwise rectangular geometrics of the house."
Kelvin Ho
The cloud references continue into the interior with subtle curves adjoining the clean, straight lines. “These were designed to appear almost as though they are floating”, says Kelvin. “The curved profile of these pieces complements the otherwise rectangular geometrics of the house.”Similarly, the natural materials of tallowwood, recycled brick and Endicott® crazy paving offer textural diversity. “This creates a balance between the minimal likes of the structure.” The restrained colour palette of whites, soft greys and natural timbers evokes a relaxed feel that fosters a connection with the home’s coastal location.
Signature Element
With light such an integral element, the home’s double-height glass aluminium framing by Vitrocsa was one of the project’s highlights, explains architect Georgia McGowan. “The glazing draws the northern light deep into the living & dining area, and when open, the courtyard becomes an extension of the living space”.
A level of refinement is required to realise a home that relies greatly on light and geometry to shape the interior. And with every line, edge and surface highly visible to the eye, there’s nowhere to hide – a credit to the design and craftsmanship. The crisp lines and a minimalist palette together with the transitional shadows and sunlight of Cloud House reflect the evanescent sky above.Here, the home’s interest and calming atmosphere is not just attributed to the architecture itself, but by the constantly changing ambience created by the natural environment.
