The Future Is Now – Meraki by Base Architecture, Electronic Living and Thallon Mole Group

Words by Olivia Hides
Photography by Cameron Murchison
Smart Home Integration Electronic Living
Architecture and Interior Design Base Architecture
Landscape Design Penfold Projects

Distinct in its seamless integration of design and technology, Meraki is a home that revels in the potential of modern living. The Greek word ‘meraki’ is defined as doing something with creativity, soul or emotion. The interwoven collaboration between Thallon Mole Group, Base Architecture and Electronic Living embodies this sentiment, creating an experience that enhances the day-to-day, pushing the boundaries of what it means to live in the moment.

Innovation is driven by collaboration – never has there been a truer statement when referencing this Brisbane home. The project initially began mid-2018 and, as a new build, was influential in forging smart house integration and progressive design. In its suburban setting, the site boasted undeniable potential; its location and surrounding park allowed for a family home with access to beautiful views and natural light at all angles, made more apparent by having the structure lifted above ground level.

With multiple parties responsible for bringing the project to fruition, what grounded Meraki was the three contributing companies’ shared values.

With multiple parties responsible for bringing the project to fruition, what grounded Meraki was the three contributing companies’ shared values – notably, maintaining open client communication balanced against realistic expectation and expert delivery. Multi-award-winning firm Base Architecture is behind the contemporary design. “From the start, Meraki was conceived as a family home, built for entertaining but also supporting all the passions and hobbies that the family had,” explains Chris Kolka, Base Architecture Co-Director. The home was designed around the family and their living routines; the architects noted how creating functional spaces was prioritised early on in the design process, particularly as the family enjoy spending time together working on projects such as fixing up cars in the garage.

The clients remained involved from the inception of the design through to construction and completion. This was vital for the success of the project, where bespoke solutions were created to best maximise the efficiency of space. Base Architecture regularly met with the family, valuing the practical feedback they supplied. “At one point, we were able to provide a digital model before the family had their Christmas break,” Chris says, “and we then had comments from everyone once we met back again in January.” These regular meetings became integral to the foundation of the design, with trust placed in all parties involved to deliver a home that was aspirational in intention, extending the limits of contemporary living. “Even though they were acutely involved with the design, the emphasis was always that [the clients] Bern and Rob were trusting us to push the design forwards, and I think they could understand when we genuinely showed excitement for parts of the project.”

A core component of Meraki is the state-of-the-art smart home technology installed throughout the building.

A core component of Meraki is the state-of-the-art smart home technology installed throughout the building. The home functions as a fully automated system, which includes security and entertainment facets, that run from a mechanically ventilated invisible technology hub, serving as the ‘central nervous system’. “Early project planning during the initial design phase of the project in conjunction with the client, builder and architect allowed for what has resulted in a seamless blend of technology, architecture and construction,” explains Damian Cavanagh, Electronic Living Director. “These three elements coexist in perfect harmony, enabling the project to offer all the benefits a modern smart home demands without disruption to the contemporary aesthetic.”

Features of the smart house include CCTV and security systems, full blind and lighting control via touchscreens, smart light switches with customisable settings and weatherproof outdoor speaker systems. “Literally all facets of this home’s integrated smart systems have been colour-matched, considered and positioned at all times to minimise the technological footprint and complement the home’s premium high-end finish,” Damian says. These elements, including the custom-built retractable television unit and the fully automated sauna, project a futuristic sophistication that underpins the conversation Meraki has with its design. Not only was practicality considered but creative features, such as the operable ensuite skylight and the automated artwork that conceals a television screen, give the home an individual expression representative of its owners.

As a result of the close collaboration between builder and clients, the home exudes warmth and finds personal meaning in everything from its material palette, with the pool tiles drawn from some of the family’s holiday memories, to its spatial organisation.

Thallon Mole Group brought the design to life, melding the multifaceted components into one final form. Aligned with the background of carefully measured planning and coordination, Thallon Mole Group compilated and constructed all elements of the design to create the luxury home. As a result of the close collaboration between builder and clients, the home exudes warmth and finds personal meaning in everything from its material palette, with the pool tiles drawn from some of the family’s holiday memories, to its spatial organisation. “[The clients] thoroughly enjoyed the process and, like all owners, wanted the best outcome. For them, this meant being involved in each site meeting and at the forefront of all decision making,” says multi-award-winning builder Bruce Mole, Director and Project Manager at Thallon Mole Group. “Their decisions would ultimately make the home unique to their needs and provide them with lifelong satisfaction. It also provides them with some ownership over the final outcome, which I think is important in a home.”

Meraki’s combination of design and technology ensures functional use of space; the home’s layout works effortlessly to create structural movement, having life breathed into its walls by its inhabitants, as well by the contributions made by Thallon Mole Group, Base Architecture and Electronic Living. The home is the product of how holistic collaboration and a united goal can influence a project for the better. “It’s rarely the first solution to any given problem that ends up being incorporated into the design, but it’s that collaborative process of refining these details that allows the vision and intent of the design to be realised on site,” Chris says. Designed as a forever home for the family, Meraki is the embodiment of how its inhabitants aspire to live.