Subtly Activated – Play House by State of Kin

As a reworking of an existing home built during the 1970s, Play House carefully articulates a series of interventions that encase the outer envelope and reshape the interior. State of Kin overlay an enriching playfulness through geometry and colour, layering transparencies and a gamut of finishes to ensure an articulation of the outer form that enables improved flow and connection.

By drawing on the generous proportions of the original home, Play House is given a new life through a series of insertions that act to animate and bring life to an otherwise un-ornate style of architecture. While the preservation of more highly detailed homes usually remains the focus for the restoration and definition of heritage, more recent styles also have value and retaining the built form has many embodied benefits. In reducing the overall wastage, by maintaining the original and solidly built form, smaller but key alterations can transform the relevancy of the home into a more contemporary series of spaces. In utilising the 1970s and 1980s form as a base, State of Kin focused attention on integrating colour and transparency to add depth.

Nods to the 70s era are seen in the use of cork flooring inside and the saturated use of colour and contrast to differentiate form, geometries and openings.

In retaining the original form, looking to the use of colour from the original era helped inspire the approach for the new palette and the combinations. Located in Perth, and sitting in close proximity to the ocean, the internal spaces remain open to the surrounds and become naturally ventilated and lit. Balancing an open engagement with the surrounds and in the creation of a private family retreat for the owners, a layered approach was used to allow for feelings of being transitionally more open and closed throughout. Nods to the 70s era are seen in the use of cork flooring inside and the saturated use of colour and contrast to differentiate form, geometries and openings.

In incorporating a connection to both place and people, the new elements reflect both the heritage of the home and a personal expression of those that live within. The perforated metal veil then acts as to filter for light, sightlines and air to pass through the internal forms – allowing the home to breathe, while also remaining connected beyond the outer walls. Combining arches and more linear elements, colour plays a vital role in how lively the resulting home feels and how it functions as a personal expression. Spread over two levels, the four bedroom and three bathrooms that comprise the home allow for separation, while open and connected living spaces spill out into the landscape.

Balancing an open engagement with the surrounds and in the creation of a private family retreat for the owners, a layered approach was used.

As a reflection of a youthful demographic, Play House overlays a vitality through colour and texture. State of Kin has defibrillated the otherwise dormant form, ensuring a continued relevance for the chapters to come.