Natural Expression – Glen Iris House by Nala Design and Archtistic Designs Group

Combining a raw and naturally-focused approach, Glen Iris House sees the creation of a series of modern and sleek forms that open generously to the surrounding landscape. Nala Design and Archtistic Designs Group propose a home of woven textures and soft tonality, with a dedicated expression of craft.

As an insertion amongst other established homes, Glen Iris House brings a soft sensibility to the otherwise quite crisp and rectilinear forms on site. As the levels come together vertically and across the streetscape, the overall mass is broken down using combined masonry and timber elements, as an interplay on scale. The home becomes a nod to the surrounding vegetation and established trees in the area and creating apertures and openings that connect beyond the building as an extension of the story of the home, was integral to the brief. With architecture by Archtistic Designs Group and interior design by Nala Design, the focus narrows to both inserting an appropriate form that allows a continuation of a connective narrative to the site.

Throughout, windows allow clear connection to the landscape from every internal area, while natural light is brought down into the home from above, by way of generous skylights.

Continuing a previous working relationship, Glen Iris was built by Orbis Constructions. Similar philosophies ensured the team was aligned. Through careful and considered landscape design by Acre, the resulting home embraces the potential of the entire site, while allowing the interior to naturally flow outward amongst the natural. The immersion in such a curated landscape setting was crucial for the creation of a sanctuary and a sense of separation once inside. The contrasts between materials and textures ensures they are subtle, while also allowing the eye to move between a natural hierarchy. The uncommon uniting of more raw and robust finishes with smooth and refined ones adds an element of the unexpected, while maintaining an overall sense of calm.

From the very start, there is an element of journey embedded into the home. Differing patterns and materials mark thresholds to different areas, while adding a tactility in the process. Throughout, windows allow clear connection to the landscape from every internal area, while natural light is brought down into the home from above, by way of generous skylights. Timber then adds warmth, along with dark Elba stone, terrazzo and soft greys that then transition to darker tones again in more enclosing and passive areas of retreat. The shared living areas match their open and active nature by remaining inviting, connected and light filled. The overall balance between an organic textural approach with clean lines further reinforces the retreat feel.

Timber then adds warmth, along with dark Elba stone, terrazzo and soft greys that then transition to darker tones again in more enclosing and passive areas of retreat.

Through subtleties and textural insulation, Glen Iris House is both private and openly connected. Nala Design and Archtistic Designs Group create multiple unique moments that reflect the owners and the way they want to live and engage with their home.