A Composition of Textures – 849 Mandurah Residence by Giorgi

From the outset, 849 Mandurah Residence appears poised for levitation, the horizontal planes of its concrete roofline lending a crisp, aerodynamic quality to the exterior. The geometric façade forms a composition of textures as double-height panes of glass face off with the warmth and tactility of natural stone and vertical timber panelling.

The intersection of materials also invites an interplay of public and private domains in this Western Australian suburban home. Alongside the tactile materials used, there’s another element that’s more ephemeral but no less powerful: the natural illumination that draws the gaze and flow of traffic seamlessly through the spacious open plan ground floor; the threshold between indoor and out becoming porous.

Alongside the tactile materials used, there’s another element that’s more ephemeral but no less powerful: the natural illumination that draws the gaze and flow of traffic seamlessly through the spacious open-plan ground floor.

With 10 previous residential construction projects behind them, the clients Ian and Lee Pitts were well-versed in the process and had a clear brief for this residence, located in Halls Head, approximately 70km south of Perth. “We frequently visit Noosa in Queensland and drew inspiration from the local architecture – contemporary homes featuring high-quality stone, glass and timber,” explains Ian. “We like the way the natural environment is celebrated and integrated as part of these coastal designs. This was something we looked to emulate.”

As a reference point, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast provided obvious similarities – notably the alluring waterfront of the Halls Head canal that beckons from the back deck. Equally though is a shared spirit of generosity, a feeling that suggests the home is open, hospitable. From the ample kitchen that spills onto the alfresco area to the timber-lined wine cellar below, this is a home that’s designed for entertaining. “Many of our friends visit by boat – the home welcomes them with a seamless journey from the jetty to the outdoor entertaining area,” Ian confirms. “It is such an inviting proposition that at times, we suffer from too many visitors!”

The harmonious nature of the design belies some of the constraints posed by the site’s unfavourable soil conditions and sloping nature.

The harmonious nature of the design belies some of the constraints posed by the site’s unfavourable soil conditions and sloping nature. To unite the functional and aesthetic elements of the brief, the clients engaged Giorgi, a local Perth-based residential architectural and construction company. Skilled at navigating the unique requirements of each project, Giorgi was able to implement additional engineering measures such as the incorporation of slab thickenings to distribute the structural load, eliminating the risk of destabilisation. The slope of the site was transformed into a favourable quality, approached as an opportunity to install a dramatic full-width swimming pool running parallel to the canal.

As first-time clients of Giorgi, the Pitts are enthusiastic about the results. “Giorgi were meticulous in the design process. The renders and drawings gave us a clear indication of what to expect at completion. This attention to detail continued through construction. The final product is to the exact specifications we were promised.”