Muted Calm – Quarry House by Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio

Quarry House sits anchored in place, looking out over an adjacent park with clear and open vistas and connecting to the surrounding natural elements that act as an extension of the home. Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio proposes an inner compartmentalisation of the residence to accommodate future ageing in place, which is softened using natural textured layers throughout.

Taking advantage of the site’s positioning across from a lush green space, Quarry House is a balance of both private and open gestures that ensures a connection to the surrounding context. Within its suburban allotment in Rodd Point, the openness and capturing of views sets the tone for a private and disconnected sanctuary. Intended as a forever home, a lift has been integrated in preparation for assisted mobility to ensure the house is futureproofed. Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio focuses on forming a foundation of enduring materials to support the years to come.

Spread over two levels, the generous family home funnels views outward whilst keeping blinkered to neighbours on either side. Primarily formed from concrete, the outer walls, flooring and roof slab are all connected through a consistent masonry and structurally support the home. The upper level, with more optimised access to the views, becomes the main living space and, with its alignment to outlook, has a meditative feel once within. A focus on indoor-outdoor connections sees the integration of key landscape and courtyard spaces that capture northern light and encourage natural ventilation throughout the levels.

Whilst the owners plan to occupy the entire home at present, the lower floor has been designed to morph into an independent residence with integrated amenities for a potential carer. In the same vein of future thinking, the landscape has been considered for its low maintenance qualities, seeing succulents and other independent varieties populate the outer edges of the home. The base of the structure is then formed by resilient and robust materials and a careful layering of natural timbers and softer textures emphasise a homey environment.

Taking advantage of the site’s positioning across from a lush green space, Quarry House is a balance of both private and open gestures that ensures a connection to the surrounding context.

Through an ingraining of flexibility, Quarry House is left to be sculpted by its owners as their needs change. In directing views out and integrating an openness that is felt across the home, Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio has created a flowing residence that engages with the surrounding natural environment.

Within its suburban allotment in Rodd Point, the openness and capturing of views sets the tone for a private and disconnected sanctuary.