Concealed Refinement – Hideaway House by Cera Stribley

Spanning two adjacent properties, Hideaway House allows for an expansion of family life both above and below ground. Cera Stribley binds the sites through a robust and enduring materiality, creating a disguised undercroft space where living, entertaining and leisure come together.

Located in the Melbourne’s inner east, Hideaway House takes on a new interpretation of the idea of expansion by sinking a series of connected living spaces below ground level. Sitting below the tennis court above, a newly articulated bar, living space and pool extend the home’s leisure capacity. Allowing for traditional outdoor living and an easy flow from the ground floor out into the landscape and tennis court, a play on levels ensures a natural hierarchy and separation is created, accommodating different ages and entertaining options. The approach from Cera Stribley takes inspiration from the tv show Mad Men and the sunken lairs of the Batman series, layering the home with moments of the unexpected.

Located in the Melbourne’s inner east, Hideaway House takes on a new interpretation of the idea of expansion by sinking a series of connected living spaces below ground level.

The planning of the home maximises the new available space to allow for the anticipated changing needs of family life. The retention of key outdoor areas and an ease of access between inside and out ensures a complete optimisation of the site. Throughout the home, a sense of drama unfolds through the material selections, with darker elements and expressive stones used to add depth and interest to the interior. The insertion of more lush and tactile textures in shades of blue adds a contrasting saturation whilst still maintaining a natural connection to the surrounds.

Opening the existing structure to create a more connected series of spaces ensures a familiar and contemporary way of living. Integrated joinery embeds storage and support into the architecture of the home, leaving the main volumes open to emphasise openness and encourage outdoor interaction. The newly curated residence ensures a re-sculpting of the original house to better serve the owners and capture an expression of how they want to live.

The approach from Cera Stribley takes inspiration from the tv show Mad Men and the sunken lairs of the Batman series, layering the home with moments of the unexpected.

Readied for family life, Hideaway House combines function and leisure to cater for the years to come. Cera Stribley focuses on a timeless sensibility, bridging the existing and new to create a home that is openly connected.