Nilo Brighton by Tom Robertson Architects

Located in East Brighton, Victoria, Nilo Brighton by Tom Robertson Architects is a dual residence that delivers a refined living experience, blending privacy, security and warmth with a luxurious, hotel-like feel.

The facade combines light brickwork with timber cladding and batten window screens, reflecting the natural tones of its bayside setting. This material palette creates a sense of continuity between the building’s exterior and interior. A horizontal steel awning at the roof and middle level offers weather and sun protection, adding a finer, detailed element that contrasts with the solid brick. The side entry is hidden beyond the main facade behind a secure gate; visitors approach the entry via a linear landscaped courtyard, which provides a secluded, private entry with maximum separation from the street.

Inside, the design is grounded by the continuation of brick blade walls, which seamlessly link the external and internal material palettes.

Inside, the project is grounded by the continuation of brick blade walls, which seamlessly link the external and internal material palettes. These walls, paired with timber floors and warm veneer joinery, introduce texture and warmth that contrast the building’s robust exterior. Central to the layout is a courtyard that the kitchen, dining and living areas wrap around, allowing for an abundance of natural light and a strong connection to the outdoors. The kitchen, finished with light timber and soft, neutral tones, flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, creating a cohesive, open space that feels both expansive and intimate.

The ground floor is characterised by its openness, where large glazed areas ensure the interior spaces are filled with light and offer continuous views of the central courtyard. This layout not only enhances the sense of space but also allows for a continuous flow throughout the home. In contrast, the upper level is designed with a more subdued atmosphere. The private spaces, including bedrooms, are shielded by timber batten screens that filter light and views, providing a sense of retreat and calm. The primary bedroom, with its warm timber panelling and soft, natural light, exudes a serene, minimalist elegance. The continuation of neutral tones and linear motifs throughout these spaces reinforces the project’s overall sense of restraint and cohesion.

The continuation of neutral tones and linear motifs throughout these spaces reinforces the project’s overall sense of restraint and cohesion.

The flow and relationship between the different areas of Nilo Brighton have been thoughtfully considered by Tom Robertson Architects. The layout allows for a clear separation between public and private spaces, ensuring that areas intended for retreat, such as the bedrooms, remain secluded and calm. Yet, despite this separation, there is a unified connection that ties the entire home together, creating a cohesive living environment where each space feels naturally linked to the next.

In Nilo Brighton, Tom Robertson Architects has achieved a careful balance between openness and privacy, crafting a dual residence that is both connected to the environment and attuned to the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Architecture and interior design by Tom Robertson Architects. Build by Histyle.