House tour: Soft curves and dynamic spaces in this tranquil Victorian home

House tour: Soft curves and dynamic spaces in this tranquil Victorian home
The expansive multi-generational home in Mount Waverley, Victoria, was designed to be visually-dynamic through its striking aesthetics and considered composition. 

Led by architect Michael Ong from MODO, this unique ‘Brimar’ abode is home to a retired couple and their two children. A need for communal spaces for family and guests were an important part of the design brief, featuring two linear wings on the ground floor connected by a sweeping glass corridor.

Family bedrooms, kitchen, living and dining areas stretch across the second floor, also home to a pool, sauna and gym.

“From the street the homeowner wanted something that was a bit dynamic and had a point of difference,” explains Ong. The ivory-coloured concrete bricks of the ground floor contrast the thermally modified timber of the second, made to feel grounded and embedded into the earth.

“We naturally looked into concrete bricks and blocks and moved away from the grey and darker tones, as we wanted a house that felt welcoming and homely. The light-coloured ivory architectural brick from Adbri Masonry, worked wonderfully to give us a smooth yet subtly textured finish, which paired beautifully with the timber cladding and the landscape design.”

A private, sun-drenched courtyard is the centre point of the lower floor, with silver birch trees, curved concrete seating and louvre windows creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

“The courtyard allowed us to create a centre and an anchor for the whole house. I wanted the house to feel like it’s connected with the courtyard as the central area, so you always know where you are.”

The innovative brick work featuring a curved, lace-like design saw the project recognised at the Think Brick Awards 2022, winning the Kevin Borland Masonry Award – High Commendation.

The architect says the most satisfying aspect of the Brimar project is to see how it will evolve over time, as the house settles into the garden and slowly ages. “It is wonderful and I can’t wait to see what it will look like over the next 5 to 10 years!”

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