Timeless Elegance – Brunswick House by Adam Kane Architects
Drawing on an elegant palette of timeless materials, Brunswick House seamlessly integrates the original classic Californian bungalow with its modern alterations. Adam Kane Architects harmoniously unites the home’s two iterations through a pared-back approach to old and new.
Home to a growing family, Brunswick House serves as a tranquil oasis tucked away from Melbourne’s bustling life. Minimalist interiors can appear stark and clinical, but not here. In this abode, Adam Kane Architects plays with whites and greys to guide the eye across the different materials carefully positioned throughout the house, balancing architectural purity with a visual gentleness to create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
In Brunswick House, Adam Kane Architects revisited the basic principles of lightness, but with a twist. Aside from creating a home filled with natural light, muted tones are also used to accentuate its lightness and airiness. The intricate veining of the natural stones adds a touch of delicateness to the material, whereas the light-coloured timber boards contribute textural depth and a sense of warmth to the interiors. These materials and the tonal consistency of the palette turn the rooms into canvases that await their occupants to fill them with life and memories. They also make the space timeless, ready to endure the years to come.
The double-storey extension stretches to the back, opens to the north, and looks into the curated landscape. The rectilinear volumes are kept simple, but the subtle pivot of the upper floor draws visual attention to its clean and sleek form. While many houses often have a distinct boundary between building and backyard, Brunswick House blends both environments effortlessly to create a unique outdoor living area.
The soft, lush foliage takes centre stage at the rear of the house, as it juxtaposes against the smooth and pared-back exterior walls. Landscaping also delights the senses in unexpected ways, such as the greenery that lines the garden bed base and the pocket of flora that cushions the corner. Such design interventions balance the bold design with nature and demonstrate the architects’ sensitive use of biophilic design to bring nature back into the built environment.
In this project, Adam Kane Architects has expertly orchestrated a harmonious union between the existing Californian bungalow and the modern additions. Here, nature becomes living art against a timeless building, prepared to mature gracefully with its residents.
