Butter Lane by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects and Michael Del Piero Good Design

Butter Lane features a contemporary and refined calmness within its rural, pitched silhouette. Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects and Michael Del Piero Good Design combine to respond sensitively to the existing context, using materials that are both sympathetic and robust to befit the climatic conditions.

Connecting to both rural roots and a clean, modern openness, the approach balances contrast and ensures the home fits comfortably in the existing urban context. “The home reflects the owners’ desire to have a house vested in the context of the site that is open and airy,” says Viola Rouhani, partner at Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects. “We envisioned the home to feel grounded in its context and to be generous yet modest.”

Connecting to both rural roots and a clean, modern openness, the approach balances contrast and ensures the home fits comfortably in the existing urban context.

Wrapped in cedar that is expected to grey and age over time, the simplicity of the overall form is a statement in itself. Honouring a traditional built approach, while also integrating key innovative elements to align with the expectations of a contemporary home, Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects and Michael Del Piero Good Design worked closely with the clients. “With a clear separation of spaces between private and public … each function is housed within a different structure, allowing the landscape to weave in and out of the spaces both physically and visually,” says Viola.

Integral to the home was how light interacted with the interior. The proposal of such an open plan and the integration and strategic placement of glazing “allows for us to explore the play of light”. Viola continues, “the various volumes of the house create a village concept and a bit of a ‘funhouse’ appeal where there is a clear hierarchy of spaces – some very open and others tucked away.” It was not only important that the home reflected its history and that of the area, but also that it allowed for the owners to overlay their own impression. The creation of a legacy underpinned the approach, and a selection of timeless finishes that respond to place ensured a lasting vision would prevail.

The proposal of such an open plan and the integration and strategic placement of glazing “allows for us to explore the play of light”.

A residential sanctuary, Butter Lane is a peaceful yet connected shelter amid the elements. Prioritising a response to the site in the design of the home, Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects and Michael Del Piero Good Design have created an idyllic and calm refuge.

Architecture by Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects. Interior design by Michael Del Piero Good Design. Build by Bocchino Theisen Builders. Landscape by LaGuardia Design Group.