A Play on Contrasts – Central House by Neil Architecture

Central House is a play on contrasts, with Neil Architecture employing long rectilinear forms together to emerge in juxtaposition to the surrounding natural landscape and offer a sense of relief from the traditional neighbouring vernacular.

Neil Architecture has combined restraint with refined detailing to propose a modest home of bold gestures. The project is a contemporary home that takes inspiration from the long lines and uninterrupted forms of the modernist masters. Coming together on site as an insertion into the native bush landscape it is nestled amongst, the resulting home is one of contrasts – not only in expressing the built form as a juxtaposing object amongst the landscape but also as a deliberate point of difference to the more traditional neighbouring residential typologies.

Neil Architecture has combined restraint with refined detailing to propose a modest home of bold gestures.

In one of Melbourne’s far eastern suburbs, Central House is located in what can be described as a typical residential milieu. Pitched roofs surround, and a traditional European influence is seen throughout. In addressing the site and the use of the home for its clients, Neil Architecture sought to challenge the typical model and arrange more streamlined rectilinear forms to express the home as a built element amongst the natural. Built by MCL Constructions, the bold and long lines are softened through the natural approach of Eckersley Garden Architecture, offering an ease of transition between the built and the natural. The new and existing landscape elements are intentionally designed to take over and further encase the home.

Central House is a play on contrasts, with Neil Architecture employing long rectilinear forms together to emerge in juxtaposition to the surrounding natural landscape.

The two-level home is clad in a varied palette of grey and black stained blackbutt timber, arranged to emphasise each of the forms and levels. The colours are taken from the naturally occurring tones of the eucalyptus trees that surround the house. The approach internally is similar in its subtlety and tonality, offering a series of muted timbers, tiles and textures. The internal experience is hinged from its defining sandy-coloured rammed earth wall that runs the length of the home. Throughout, this wall is carved into, allowing for movement across the zones and acting like an anchor to connect each of the functions of the home. The connection to earth and natural materials creates the foundation for the large glazed openings to visually connect to the natural world beyond.

Central House brings together a subtlety and restraint. Neil Architecture proposes a modest and purposeful home that, while restrained, makes an impact through the deliberate and careful employment of contrast.

The project is a contemporary home that takes inspiration from the long lines and uninterrupted forms of the modernist masters.