Linear and Open – Mid-Century House by SRAI and Alexandra Kidd Design
As an homage to an era of experimentation in design, Mid-Century House takes cues from its musings, drawing on principles of openness both internally and beyond. SRAI and Alexandra Kidd Design combine to propose a home of linear expression and immersion, exemplifying an iconic sculptural approach.
Lying low and lean as it stretches across the streetscape, Mid Century House brings inspired elements from the era of the same name and reimagines a contemporary family home built upon shared aspirations. The combined use of raw and unfinished stacked stonework is expressed from the entry to the site and then brought deep into the home as a textural balance to the smooth clean lines and openness of the comprising internal spaces. A deliberate connection between inside and out with both visual and ventilated access across thresholds, allowing the functionality of the home to extend to the site boundary, were key to the mid-century modernist movement. With architecture by SRAI and interior design by Alexandra Kidd Design, the resulting home draws on elements of balance and contrast and is expressed through fine detailing.
Although a nod to the foregone era, combinations with a contemporary understanding of spatial arrangements and how human interactions occur ensure the home feels relevant yet nostalgic. Drawing inspiration from the 1968 film ‘The Party’, set in Los Angeles, long spans, sunken seating and a shared generous openness that extends beyond the building envelope are all instilled into the architectural foundations of the home. An enduring and time-honoured approach is then taken in the selection of finishes and materiality throughout, ensuring a connection to the natural and a diversity in texture at the same time. Large spanning glazing brings natural light deep into the home, which then bounces off surfaces and creates shadows when interacting with others.
True to its inspiration is the insertion of iconic and sculptural elements within the home. Sitting as living artworks to engage with, furniture is used to express the personality of its owners, while other integrated storage and joinery remains held off of the ceiling to allow for visual connections. The approach was one of inspiration, not replication. The application of custom terrazzo throughout connects to both the era and also to the narrative of its owners and their Italian heritage. Through maintaining clean lines and an intentional restraint in all gestures, unexpected moments appear as unique delights within the home.
Sitting as living artworks to engage with, furniture is used to express the personality of its owners, while other integrated storage and joinery remains held off of the ceiling to allow for visual connections.
Combining a crafted approach with a sense of connection across the entire site, Mid-Century House sees SRAI and Alexandra Kidd Design carefully sculpt a home of lasting resonance.
