The Bourne Road Residence by Studiofour was designed with the mindset of framing the outdoor space with the architecture becoming a backdrop for the family’s engagement with the garden. Stripping the architecture back to white rendered planes, this project became an exploration into enclosing the basic rituals of domestic life within restrained building forms.

In contrast to the modest and simple façade, upon entering, spaces unfold, through the private sleeping areas, through the internal garden, and culminating in the main living, cooking and dining area.

The garden must be passed through and experienced to reach the main areas of the house. Located within the centre of the house, one must continually move through and experience the garden; not only guests coming to the public areas of the home, but the occupants as they move from the public living areas to the private areas of sleeping and bathing.

Private areas of sleeping, bathing, study and reading are purposefully concealed from interior sight lines, whilst the public areas in contrast are completely open and connected to the internal garden. 

A key challenge for Studiofour when designing this residence was to balance the functional requirements for a family with two young children, while providing a calming sanctuary required for the professional couple. A private, acoustically separated, master wing and a secluded second living area enable the remainder of the house to remain fluid and relatively open. At all times the family are encouraged to connect with the landscape, while all internal areas are flooded with natural light and fresh air.