Softened Permanence – Sanctuary House by Mim Design
Sanctuary House acts as a cocoon and focuses on clearly defining the public and private spaces within. Mim Design draws from the nearby vernacular to propose a contemporary and grounded home that combines an unwavering sense of permanence with a connection to the natural elements.
In its eclectic location in Melbourne’s Prahran, Sanctuary House comes together as a newly conceived home. Adopting a holistic approach, Mim Design ensures both the architectural and interior design efforts result in a cohesive and connected resolve from front door to back gate. In navigating the existing context, the proposal acknowledges the prevailing heights of surrounding buildings and reinterprets what a contemporary dwelling could be. Spread over two levels, the generous and open family residence draws from both midcentury and modernist stylings, using restraint and a reductionist approach throughout to define the home.
Combining both linear and curved elements, there is a balance created across the site that equally softens and grounds the home. Expressed in the materials that comprise the form, the more solid elements are countered by timber. Bringing both texture and an organic warmth to the residence, similar tones are used internally alongside a muted and monochromatic palette to instil a timelessness throughout. Wanting to bring both natural light in whilst allowing for outward connections to be made, moveable screens plays a vital role in how the building can move and respond to the changing seasons throughout the year, which animate the form.
Together with timber flooring, leather adds another textural feature to the interior whilst enhancing the tactility of everyday interactions with joinery. The open plan embeds a level of flexibility into how the spaces can be used, guiding movement throughout to reach the main living areas. The combined dining, kitchen and entertaining spaces connect to the outdoors, spilling out into the rear landscape and blurring the threshold between inside and out. Rear views of Lumley Gardens – particularly on the upper level – frame views outwards, allowing the soft and subtle nature of the landscape to become the home’s backdrop.
As a crisp and contained sculptural addition to the neighbourhood, Sanctuary House both engages with the surrounds whilst providing a place of seclusion and calm for its owners. Mim Design overlays a considered balance throughout, softening and elevating everyday living.
