Ruum – A New Pathway to Architect Designed Living

Developed out of a belief in the benefits of architecturally designed homes and a desire to make architectural solutions more accessible, Ruum’s ethos has never been as relevant as it is in 2020.

With more people than ever before working from home and less opportunity to venture far from the house, the demands on our homes have never been greater. Ruum’s model, an intelligent twist on the traditional architectural pathway, offers clients the benefits of carefully considered design from leading residential architects. Each signature collection is created to express the architect’s vision for a modern Australian lifestyle, and every design is limited to 10 projects per state. As well as unlocking design and construction efficiencies unseen in the traditional design and build model, Ruum oversees the entire process, from planning to handover, acting as the project guardian and the central point of contact and advocacy for client and builder. With this innovative new model, Ruum offers ease, defined steps and cost transparency, in addition to all the benefits of architectural design – at a time when the demands on our homes have never been greater.

The idea was born from founder Elliot McLaren’s experiences working in the housing industry. It quickly became apparent to Elliot that there was a distinct absence of options in the market for those who value design and quality but who do not have the time or inclination to oversee a one-off architectural design and build, which is often a complex process. Elliot explains, “in the volume market, it’s all about construction efficiency, lacking quality, heart and design integrity. But at the other end of the spectrum, you have custom architectural design which is typically inaccessible to all but a few. We believe that even if you choose not to pursue that path, you should still have access to good design.”

All Ruum houses are representative of the partnering architects’ particular approach to residential design, with Chamberlain Architects responsible for the first Ruum series. Inherent flexibility is built into the model, allowing for forward-thinking, adaptable living arrangements. Although illustrated in all designs, this is perhaps best illustrated in the Gable House and Pavilion House floorplans. Both have the option to easily become dual-key homes as needed – a decision Chamberlain Architects made after considering how spaces can be adapted to support people through all stages of life, with the added benefit of allowing different generations to live under the one roof as required.

With more people than ever before working from home and less opportunity to venture far from the house, the demands on our homes have never been greater.

In the case of Pavilion House, this flexibility goes further and the house is suitable for a suburban block as well as rural or beachside land. The floorplan not only has the option for a second entry but also a self-contained unit, optional carport or extra-wide garage. A sense of space and volume to the main area of the house is created by the dramatic cathedral ceiling in the living area, which cleverly divides the main bedroom wing from the remaining bedrooms for added seclusion and privacy. Irrespective of the adjustments to the floorplan, the Ruum model only allows for 10 houses of each design to be sold in each state before the design is retired. This is done so to keep the offering exclusive for home owners, but it also ensures that new designs are constantly being explored and developed within the Ruum model.

For Chamberlain Architects, Ruum has offered the opportunity to express their vision of client-focused residential design, albeit without a set client. Having been drawn to the possibility of providing more people access to architectural design, Director Glen Chamberlain and Principal Ella Leoncio used the precedent in the vision of Robin Boyd’s Small Homes Service to guide their approach. “What’s really exciting to my team is this idea that we can bring architecturally-designed homes to more people,” Glen explains. It is an enthusiasm shared by the Ruum team as they get the first generation of homes underway and look ahead to the second Ruum series.

For all the sophistication and innovation in Ruum’s offering, it is the value it places on the home as a source of sanctuary and comfort that is most relevant today. With recent events necessitating us to work and learn from home, in many cases for the first time, it has highlighted the importance of the home to be a flexible and pragmatic place. Our collective focus has turned inwards and reinforced the significance of comfortable and beautifully designed spaces that support the full spectrum of life. The true value of architectural design lies in offering these benefits. Previously, this notion that was available only to those with the time and inclination; Ruum seeks to change this by increasing our collective access to great architectural design.